The Nigeria Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised governors backing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, warning that the All Progressives Congress could realise its political mistakes on election day in 2027.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, made the remarks during a television political programme on Thursday night, amid growing political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mediaplusng.com reports that at least 31 Nigerian governors have publicly endorsed President Tinubu’s second-term ambition, including some governors who do not belong to the ruling APC.
Among them are Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo.
Kwankwaso argues that the alliance between the governors and the President reflects a lack of confidence in their individual electoral strength.
According to him, the governors are relying on the President, while Tinubu also needs the governors’ support to strengthen his chances of securing another term in office.
The NDC chieftain maintains that political leaders should be able to demonstrate their popularity through their performance and support among voters rather than relying solely on political alliances.
He also claims that the NDC is gaining momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, citing the popularity of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in southern Nigeria and the party’s growing presence in the North.
Kwankwaso says the party is attracting Nigerians who want solutions to the country’s economic and security challenges, describing its political team as increasingly formidable.
He further argues that governors supporting Tinubu should not underestimate the changing political landscape or assume that their endorsements will automatically translate into votes.
“I believe that on election day, they will realise that the APC has made very serious mistakes over the years,” Kwankwaso says.
The former Kano governor also attributes what he describes as declining support for Tinubu and the APC to widespread economic hardship, poverty and insecurity.
He particularly highlights security challenges in northern Nigeria, where some communities have experienced attacks, displacement and prolonged disruption to livelihoods.
Kwankwaso argues that many Nigerians continue to face difficult living conditions, while displaced residents have remained away from their homes and communities for years.
He says these concerns could influence voters’ decisions in the next general elections.
However, the political implications of the governors’ endorsements and the NDC’s claimed growing popularity will ultimately depend on voter turnout, party organisation, candidates’ performance and developments before the polls.
With the 2027 elections approaching, political parties are positioning themselves for a contest expected to focus heavily on economic conditions, national security, governance and public confidence.
For now, Kwankwaso is expressing confidence in the NDC’s prospects while warning the ruling APC not to underestimate the electorate.
