Former Kano State Governor and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed the possibility of a joint presidential ticket involving former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, describing the proposed political combination as a project that would be “dead on arrival.”
Ganduje’s comment comes amid growing discussions about possible opposition alliances ahead of Nigeria’s next presidential election. Political parties and influential figures have continued to explore potential partnerships as the country’s political landscape begins to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Kano governor reportedly questioned the viability of an alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso, two prominent political figures who attracted significant support during the 2023 presidential election.
Obi contested the 2023 election under the platform of the Labour Party, while Kwankwaso ran on the ticket of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Both politicians emerged as influential opposition figures following the election, particularly among voters seeking alternatives to the country’s two major political parties.
The speculation surrounding a possible alliance has generated considerable public interest because a coalition involving the two politicians could potentially reshape the opposition landscape and influence the 2027 presidential contest.
However, Ganduje’s dismissal reflects the political differences and competing interests that could make such an alliance challenging to achieve. Political observers have continued to debate questions surrounding leadership, party structures, regional support and the distribution of political power within any potential coalition.
The former APC chairman’s remarks are also significant given his political background and his long-standing influence in Kano and northern Nigerian politics.
