Former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje says the proposed Peter Obi–Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress lacks the political structure and national support needed to challenge the ruling party in 2027.
Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed the prospects of a Peter Obi–Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing it as “dead on arrival.”
Ganduje made the remarks while reacting to growing political discussions surrounding the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general election. According to him, the alliance lacks the organisational depth, nationwide reach and political machinery required to defeat the APC.
Ganduje questions viability of NDC alliance
The former Kano State governor argued that opposition leaders often announce coalitions without building the grassroots structures necessary to win national elections.
He maintained that the APC remains firmly positioned across the country’s geopolitical zones and that the ruling party continues to enjoy broad support despite efforts by opposition figures to unite against President Bola Tinubu.
Ganduje said political alliances become effective only when they are backed by strong local networks, sustained mobilisation and a clear governance agenda.
Comments come amid opposition realignment
The remarks come days after Kwankwaso confirmed that he and Obi signed a written agreement under which Obi would serve only one four-year term if elected president in 2027.
The NDC leadership has presented the arrangement as part of a broader power-sharing understanding aimed at strengthening trust within the coalition and expanding its appeal across Nigeria’s regions.
Political observers have described the Obi–Kwankwaso partnership as one of the most significant opposition alignments ahead of the next presidential election, particularly because of the electoral influence both men command in parts of the South-East and North-West.
APC confident ahead of 2027
Ganduje insisted that the APC is not threatened by the emerging opposition coalition.
According to him, the ruling party is focused on consolidating support for President Tinubu’s administration and strengthening party structures nationwide.
He argued that Nigerians would ultimately judge parties based on governance performance rather than political rhetoric.
NDC yet to respond
As of the time of filing this report, neither Obi nor Kwankwaso had issued a formal response to Ganduje’s latest comments.
The NDC has consistently maintained that it represents a credible alternative to the APC and that its coalition is designed to address economic challenges, insecurity and governance concerns ahead of the 2027 election.
Ganduje served as Governor of Kano State from 2015 to 2023 before becoming APC National Chairman. He recently left that position amid ongoing political realignments within the ruling party.
The 2027 presidential contest is already generating intense political activity, with major parties and coalitions working to build alliances, attract defectors and position candidates well ahead of the official campaign period.