Former Kano State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has urged Nigerians to look beyond political party affiliations as they prepare for the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso described the forthcoming election as a struggle between Nigerians and what he called “the oppressors”, urging citizens to unite around the need for national change.
He made the remarks when South-East leaders and members of the Kwankwaso National Network (KNN), led by the group’s South-East coordinator, Dr Ukpai Iro Ukpai, visited him in Abuja.
The delegation was at Kwankwaso’s residence to brief him on the group’s mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election and its efforts to build support for the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket in the South-East.
Kwankwaso calls for political unity
According to accounts of the meeting, Kwankwaso argued that the 2027 election should not be viewed simply as a contest between political parties.
Rather, he urged Nigerians to see the election as an opportunity to determine the direction of the country and make decisions based on their assessment of the nation’s condition.
He also called for citizens to reject electoral malpractice, including vote selling, while encouraging supporters to remain committed to the political process beyond the election itself.
The former Kano governor’s comments come as political parties and alliances intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The NDC has positioned the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as an alternative to the established political parties, with its supporters seeking to expand the alliance’s reach across different regions.
Kwankwaso’s latest remarks therefore place greater emphasis on grassroots mobilisation and citizen participation rather than conventional party politics.
The former governor also referenced the recent Osun governorship election, according to reports, as an example of what can happen when voters remain determined to protect their votes.
His comments add to the increasingly heated political rhetoric surrounding the 2027 contest, which is expected to feature President Bola Tinubu seeking another term against opposition challengers including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar. Reuters reports that economic hardship and insecurity are already emerging as major issues in the campaign.