Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued a bold challenge to Rabiu Kwankwaso, asserting that the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader has lost his grip on Kano State ahead of the 2027 elections. The seasoned politician warns that the Kwankwasiyya movement is a thing of the past, and Kwankwaso should prepare for the harsh reality of 2027.
The political rivalry between Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Rabiu Kwankwaso, former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is set to escalate as both leaders sharpen their focus on the 2027 elections. In a daring statement made during a gathering of prominent APC figures in Kano, Ganduje declared that Kwankwaso has no support in the state, claiming that the Kwankwasiyya movement is now defunct.
Addressing party members at the 8th and 9th APC Kano State House of Assembly Forum Dinner, Ganduje, though represented by the state’s APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas, wasted no time in delivering a scathing assessment of Kwankwaso’s political future. He expressed disbelief that the former governor still claimed widespread support in the state, adding that, in his view, Kwankwaso would have never achieved any political victories in Kano without the internal conflicts that once plagued the APC.
Ganduje did not mince words as he attacked Kwankwaso’s legacy in Kano: “I am always surprised when Rabiu Kwankwaso claims he has the people’s support. I can swear to God, if not for our internal issues, he wouldn’t have won any election in Kano. This time around, he will see the reality.” His remarks seemed to reflect an undercurrent of confidence in the APC’s ability to regain control of the state, a key battleground in Nigerian politics.
One of the most striking elements of Ganduje’s address was his assertion that even Kwankwaso’s former supporters had turned their backs on him. “Those who supported him before are disappointed and full of regret,” Ganduje added, implying that the once-formidable Kwankwasiyya movement was now a shadow of its former self.
The Decline of Kwankwasiyya in Kano
The Kwankwasiyya movement, which had enjoyed significant popularity in Kano under Kwankwaso’s leadership, has been a powerful force in the state’s political landscape. Founded on the ideals of the former governor, it brought together millions of supporters who believed in Kwankwaso’s vision for a new Nigeria. However, recent years have seen tensions between Kwankwaso and his former allies, and many political observers have pointed to the shifting dynamics in the state as a sign of the movement’s waning influence.
Kwankwaso’s return to political relevance in Kano was marked by his formation of the NNPP, which he led to a successful outing in the 2023 general elections, particularly in Kano, where the party made significant strides. Despite this, Ganduje’s comments suggest that he believes Kwankwaso’s star is on the decline, particularly with the advent of the 2027 elections.
A Call for APC Unity
During the same event, Ganduje rallied the APC faithful to unite in their efforts to reclaim Kano from the NNPP, positioning the 2027 election as a decisive moment for the party. He urged his party members to set aside any differences and focus on what he called the “only way out” — unity.
“Unity is the only way out for us. It’s the only option we have to achieve our goals. God has already intervened in our situation,” Ganduje proclaimed. His comments underscore the ongoing internal challenges within the APC in the state, but also reflect a deep belief in the party’s potential to overcome these hurdles and take back control of Kano.
Ganduje’s assessment of the current NNPP-led government in Kano was equally critical. “The current government is distorting the state, and we are just waiting for the right time,” he remarked, suggesting that the APC was biding its time and preparing for a strong comeback in the 2027 elections. His analogy, comparing the impending political battle to “moving a hen away from its eggs,” painted a vivid picture of what he expects to be a decisive and inevitable victory for the APC.
The Importance of Kano
Kano State has long been considered a key political battleground, not just because of its large population and electoral significance but also due to its status as one of the most influential states in northern Nigeria. For both Ganduje and Kwankwaso, securing Kano in 2027 is critical to their political survival.
For Ganduje, reclaiming Kano would solidify his position as a major political figure in the region, while for Kwankwaso, holding onto the state would provide a powerful platform for his 2027 presidential ambitions. The race for Kano in 2027 is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched in Nigerian politics, with both sides poised for a bitter contest.
Kwankwaso’s supporters have been vocal in their defense of the former governor, maintaining that his political base in Kano remains strong and that he is well-positioned to continue influencing the state’s political scene. However, Ganduje’s statement casts doubt on this narrative, with the APC National Chairman confident that the tide has turned in his party’s favour.
