The Nigeria Democratic Congress and the Obidient Movement have dismissed former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje’s claim that the presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso lacks the political legacy to win the 2027 election.

They insisted that both leaders have established governance records and strong political followings capable of delivering electoral victory, particularly in Kano State and across the country.

Ganduje had on Tuesday described the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket on the platform of the NDC as “dead on arrival,” arguing that neither Obi nor Kwankwaso had the leadership credentials or political legacy to secure victory in the 2027 presidential election.

He also claimed the ticket would fail to attract support in Kano, questioning Obi’s achievements as governor of Anambra State and Kwankwaso’s political record in Kano.

Reacting in an exclusive phone chat, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, dismissed Ganduje’s comments as inconsequential, saying the former APC chairman had lost political relevance in Kano.

He said, “I think Ganduje is just blabbing. But we in NDC believe that when we get to the bridge, we shall cross it. And we also believe that politics is about proof of your popularity.

“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 cannot compare the APC in Kano State with the NDC. Our party has not participated in the election in Kano State so far, but I can tell you, with the way the NDC has put its house in order, we will win in Kano any time, any day.”

Abdulsalam said the party was confident of winning elective positions in Kano because of Kwankwaso’s political influence.

“We are confident of clearing all the state Assembly seats when the election is conducted. We are also confident of winning the senatorial, House of Reps and governorship elections as well. That is because Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso is a force to reckon with in Kano.

“Don’t forget, Ganduje was his deputy back then, meaning that he was instrumental to Ganduje becoming the governor of Kano State.

“So no child can claim to be a bigger father than his father. No matter how highly educated and highly connected, he cannot have the wisdom of that father.

“So, if Ganduje is now claiming to be wiser than Kwankwaso, I think he is just playing to the gallery. He is not being serious as a politician.

“We are not here to banter or exchange words with him. What we believe is that when the election comes, we will display our joker and win the election in Kano any day because of the way we organise ourselves,” he stated.

He also argued that Obi’s electoral performance in the 2023 presidential election demonstrated his national appeal and predicted that the former Anambra governor would attract even more votes in 2027.

“Now, coming to the NDC joint ticket of Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, the whole world is aware of the six million votes or thereabout that Obi garnered in the last election. Again, the state of affairs in the country wasn’t as bad as it is today.

“The masses voted massively out of anger in favour of Peter Obi. So I can assure you that with the current state of things in the country, more votes will be recorded for him in the northern part of Nigeria,” Abdulsalam noted.

Also responding, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, questioned Ganduje’s credibility to assess the records of Obi and Kwankwaso.

“I don’t know why people still take Ganduje seriously. He has no credibility to challenge somebody who left N75bn in the coffers of Anambra State.

“Despite having the opportunity to loot that particular money, he did not. Can you compare him with somebody who has been accused of stashing dollars in his pocket with a proven video? So where lies his credibility?

“He can’t also compare himself with the governor who did an octopus bridge in Kano, linking the old city and the new city together, particularly in the direction of people coming into Kano. That was a lot of the legacy that Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso left in Kano State.

“In terms of education, it is unbelievable that Kwankwaso has sponsored people who have gone abroad and paid their school fees in full, without leaving any outstanding debts. That particular legacy has produced pilots, nurses and engineers for the state.

“So, what credentials does Ganduje have to challenge what these people have already left behind? He has nothing to offer. His statement and attempt to discredit the duo are dead on arrival.

“The last time I visited my state, Kano, I am happy you saw me with people everywhere. These people have not even come to see us. They are ordinary clergymen who have believed in Peter Obi for four years that they have been together. It’s a practical life example,” he said. (The PUNCH)

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