By Sabiu Abdullahi
The presidential ambition of President Bola Tinubu cannot be guaranteed by the All Progressives Congress’ control of more than 30 states, according to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
Kwankwaso made the remark on Thursday in Port Harcourt at a town hall meeting with voters, where he and the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, responded to questions about the 2027 general elections.
The former Kano State governor cited the 2015 presidential election as evidence that control of several states does not automatically translate into victory at the federal level.
He recalled that the Peoples Democratic Party, under which former President Goodluck Jonathan contested the 2015 election, controlled about 20 states before the poll. Jonathan, however, lost his re-election bid to the APC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.
According to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Jonathan secured victory in 15 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while Buhari won 21 states. Eleven of the states won by Buhari were under PDP control at the time.
Tinubu, who defeated Peter Obi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election, is seeking another term on the APC platform. The party currently controls about 31 states.
Kwankwaso therefore dismissed the argument that the APC’s control of numerous states would secure Tinubu’s re-election.
“Jonathan was the sitting president and he lost the election. Those who think that because they have over 30 governors they cannot lose are making a very big mistake,” he said.
‘This Is The Time To Get It Right’
Kwankwaso also criticised the performance of some state governors, particularly those in the northern part of the country.
“The trend is that those governors and their parties have performed woefully. It is difficult for many of them to even come out and campaign because, from top to bottom, they did absolutely nothing,” he stated.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate further argued that some of the individuals seeking the presidency lacked the experience required to effectively govern Nigeria.
He said the country needed “a committed, strong and vibrant president” who could confront its challenges.
Kwankwaso also warned voters against making another political decision that could have serious consequences for the country in 2027.
“This is the time to get it right. Anything to the contrary, if people make a mistake, they will regret making that mistake because it will be too costly for the people and the country,” he said.
The NDC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, also addressed the gathering.
Lulu-Briggs praised party members in the state for their patience, resilience and commitment to the political movement.
He expressed confidence that the NDC would build “a Nigeria that works” and assured the party’s national leadership of the continued support of its members in Rivers State.
