Former Kano State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), predicting that Nigerians’ dissatisfaction over economic hardship and insecurity could have consequences for the party in the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, October 15, 2026, where he questioned the growing number of governors endorsing Tinubu’s re-election bid.
According to the former governor, the support being mobilised for Tinubu by governors reflects a lack of confidence among some political leaders in their ability to win elections independently.
He argued that both the governors and the President were relying on each other to strengthen their political positions ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I think a lot of mistakes were being made by the governors to the extent that they themselves believe that they are not competent enough to win elections on their own,” Kwankwaso said.
He added that Tinubu also appeared to need the governors’ backing to secure another term in office.
Kwankwaso Questions Governors’ Endorsements
The NDC vice-presidential candidate also questioned the political significance of endorsements from governors, arguing that such declarations would not necessarily determine how Nigerians vote in 2027.
At least 31 governors had publicly endorsed Tinubu’s re-election bid, according to a report by Premium Times.
Kwankwaso, however, maintained that the popularity of the NDC’s presidential ticket, led by Peter Obi, had become a source of concern for political leaders supporting the incumbent President.
He claimed that Obi enjoyed considerable popularity in Southern Nigeria, while the NDC was also building a strong political presence in the North.
“I believe that there is no governor who is not concerned about the popularity of our candidate, the ticket itself, and, of course, our party,” he said.
The former Kano governor expressed confidence that the political calculations of the ruling party and its allies would be tested when Nigerians cast their ballots.
“But I believe that on election day, they will realise that the APC has made very serious mistakes over the years,” Kwankwaso added.
Hardship, Insecurity Could Shape 2027 Elections
Kwankwaso identified economic hardship, poverty and insecurity, particularly in Northern Nigeria, as major issues that could influence voters’ decisions in the next general elections.
He argued that many Nigerians were struggling with worsening living conditions, while insecurity had forced some residents to abandon their communities for extended periods.
According to him, the difficulties facing ordinary citizens could affect public confidence in the current administration.
“The issue of security, especially in Northern Nigeria. The issue of poverty, everybody is very much aware of it. You can see that the major issues in this country are not being addressed,” he said.
Kwankwaso added that public frustration was evident in different parts of the country, including Abuja, where he said many citizens were looking for a way out of their difficulties.
His comments come amid continuing political realignments and preparations by parties seeking to challenge the APC in the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso Raises Concerns About Electoral Integrity
During the interview, Kwankwaso also expressed concern about the possibility of electoral malpractice in the forthcoming elections.
He alleged that some individuals associated with the ruling party had made comments suggesting that election results could be manipulated.
However, the allegation, as reported from the interview, was not accompanied by independently verified evidence establishing that the APC had plans to rig the 2027 elections.
The claim underscores the importance of electoral transparency, credible result transmission and effective oversight by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The APC’s position on Kwankwaso’s latest allegations was not included in the report reviewed for this article.
Political Stakes Ahead of 2027
Kwankwaso’s remarks highlight the emerging contest between the ruling APC and opposition parties seeking to mobilise voters around concerns about governance, economic conditions and national security.
While endorsements from governors and other political figures can influence campaign organisation, their impact on election outcomes ultimately depends on several factors, including voter preferences, party structures, campaign strategies and the credibility of the electoral process.
The 2027 elections are expected to provide an opportunity for Nigerians to assess the performance of the Tinubu administration and consider the alternatives presented by opposition candidates.
Whether the concerns raised by Kwankwaso will translate into electoral gains for the NDC remains to be determined by voters when they go to the polls.
