2027: Govs relying on rigging will be disappointed — Kwankwaso

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has warned governors seeking re-election in 2027 that relying on electoral manipulation and control of state structures will not guarantee victory.

Kwankwaso gave the assessment on Sunday during the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Personality Interview Series in Abuja while discussing the political climate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former Kano State governor said some governors who had failed to address the concerns of their constituents were defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), allegedly believing that the party’s political machinery would secure their re-election.

He argued that growing dissatisfaction with insecurity, poverty, unemployment and declining public services could influence voters’ decisions at the polls.

According to Kwankwaso, Nigerians are becoming more politically conscious and may reject governors and other politicians seeking another term despite their control of government structures.

“What I foresee in the 2027 elections is that most of the governors seeking re-election will be disappointed because people will not support them,” he said.

Kwankwaso said Nigerians had legitimate reasons to demand improved governance, citing the large number of children out of school and the impact of insecurity on communities nationwide.

He recalled that during his tenure as Kano governor, his administration prioritised education by expanding access to primary, secondary and tertiary education for qualified residents.

He also said his administration implemented programmes targeting the Almajiri challenge and invested in educational infrastructure, including hostels for students.

According to him, the experience demonstrated that governments could significantly improve citizens’ welfare when available resources were properly prioritised.

Kwankwaso also criticised the growing movement of politicians from opposition parties into the APC, describing it as an attempt by some politicians to secure political advantage ahead of the 2027 elections.

He, however, expressed confidence that voters would ultimately determine the outcome of the election.

The NDC vice-presidential candidate urged political leaders to pay greater attention to citizens’ concerns and recognise when voters are demanding a change in leadership.