The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Obidient Movement have rejected former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje’s claim that the proposed presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso lacks the political strength and governance record to win the 2027 general election.
The groups insisted that both Obi and Kwankwaso have established leadership credentials and strong political support capable of delivering victory in Kano State and across the country.
The reactions followed comments made by Ganduje on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, in which he described the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso ticket on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress as “dead on arrival.”
The former Kano State governor argued that neither Obi nor Kwankwaso possessed the political legacy or leadership credentials required to win the presidency, adding that the ticket would fail to attract support in Kano State.
Reacting in a telephone interview, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, dismissed Ganduje’s remarks, describing them as inconsequential and insisting that the former APC chairman had lost political relevance in Kano.
“I think Ganduje is just blabbing. But we in the NDC believe that when we get to the bridge, we shall cross it. Politics is about proving your popularity,” he said.
According to Abdulsalam, Ganduje no longer commands significant influence in Kano, even within the APC.
“Ganduje, as of today, is no longer popular in Kano. In fact, in his own party, he has been technically sidelined and has started losing ground in the ruling party,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the NDC would perform strongly in Kano, attributing the party’s optimism to the political influence of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
“We are confident of winning the State Assembly seats, the National Assembly seats, the governorship election and other elective positions because Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso remains a force to reckon with in Kano,” Abdulsalam stated.
He also noted that Ganduje once served as Kwankwaso’s deputy governor, arguing that Kwankwaso played a significant role in Ganduje’s political rise.
Abdulsalam further maintained that Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election demonstrated his nationwide appeal and predicted that the former Anambra State governor would attract even greater support in the 2027 election.
“The whole world saw the over six million votes Peter Obi received in the last election. Given the current state of the country, I believe he will secure even more votes, particularly from northern Nigeria,” he added.
Also reacting, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, questioned Ganduje’s credibility to assess the leadership records of Obi and Kwankwaso.
Tanko praised Obi’s tenure as governor of Anambra State, claiming he left substantial savings for the state, and highlighted Kwankwaso’s achievements in infrastructure and education during his administration in Kano.
According to him, Kwankwaso’s investments in road infrastructure and overseas scholarship programmes produced professionals, including pilots, nurses and engineers, for the state.
Tanko argued that Ganduje lacked the moral authority to criticise the two political leaders, insisting that their records in office speak for themselves.
He also dismissed Ganduje’s attempt to discredit the proposed ticket, describing his comments as politically motivated and lacking substance.
