NDC Defends Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket after Abdullahi Ganduje’s criticism, with the party backing the duo’s chances ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 election
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and supporters of the Obidient Movement have defended the proposed Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket after former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje dismissed its chances in the 2027 election.
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The opposition groups responded on Wednesday, 23 July 2026, insisting that the two former governors have the political experience and national support required to compete.
The NDC Defends Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket response followed Ganduje’s description of the alliance as “dead on arrival”, arguing that Obi and Kwankwaso lacked the political structure and governance record needed to win the presidency.
Reacting to the comments, NDC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Abdulmumin Abdulsalam rejected Ganduje’s assessment, saying the former Kano State governor had underestimated the strength of the proposed partnership.
“I think Ganduje is just blabbing,” Abdulsalam said in an interview.
The NDC spokesman claimed Ganduje had lost influence within Kano politics and suggested that the former APC chairman no longer commanded the level of support he once enjoyed.
Abdulsalam expressed confidence that the party would perform strongly in Kano State, predicting victories in legislative and governorship contests.
“We are confident of clearing all the state Assembly seats. We are also confident of winning the senatorial, House of Representatives and governorship elections as well,” he said.
He described Kwankwaso as a major political figure in northern Nigeria, noting that Ganduje previously served as his deputy governor during Kwankwaso’s administration in Kano.
The NDC spokesman also highlighted Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election, where the former Anambra governor emerged as a leading candidate and gained significant support among young voters and urban communities.
He argued that economic challenges facing Nigerians could increase support for Obi ahead of the 2027 election.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, also defended the records of both politicians, questioning Ganduje’s criticism of their leadership backgrounds.
Tanko cited Obi’s record in Anambra State, including claims that he left ₦75 billion in state funds at the end of his tenure as governor.
He also pointed to Kwankwaso’s administration in Kano, highlighting infrastructure projects and overseas scholarship programmes that he said produced professionals including pilots, nurses and engineers.
Tanko maintained that Ganduje’s comments did not reflect the achievements of the two former governors.
“His statement and attempt to discredit the duo are dead on arrival,” he said.
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The exchange adds to the growing political debate ahead of the 2027 elections, as parties and emerging alliances begin shaping their strategies and public messaging.
