Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has argued that President Bola Tinubu’s control of a large number of states does not guarantee victory in the 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso made the argument during a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt alongside NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi.
He referenced the 2015 presidential election, when incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan lost to Muhammadu Buhari despite the PDP controlling numerous states.
Kwankwaso Uses 2015 As Example
According to Kwankwaso, Jonathan’s defeat demonstrates that control of state governments does not automatically translate into victory at the presidential level.
He argued that voters, rather than governors alone, ultimately determine the outcome of a presidential election.
The former Kano governor said the political situation in 2027 could therefore produce a result different from what the APC currently expects.
Opposition Targets APC
Kwankwaso’s comments come as the NDC seeks to build momentum against Tinubu ahead of the election.
Peter Obi has also declared that he is prepared to protect his votes in 2027, signalling the opposition’s determination to mount a serious challenge.
APC Remains Confident
The APC and Tinubu’s supporters have rejected predictions of an opposition victory.
Government supporters have maintained that the President’s reforms and political structure will give him a strong advantage going into 2027.
The opposing predictions point to an increasingly competitive political contest.