'Dead on arrival'- Ganduje says Obi-Kwankwaso ticket will fail in Kano

Abdullahi Ganduje, a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-Kano State governor, has publicly declared war on the presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso. The duo, running on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), faces stiff opposition from Ganduje, who believes their ticket is doomed to fail in Kano State. Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, Ganduje minced no words, stating that the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket is "dead on arrival" in Kano.

Ganduje's confidence stems from his reading of the numbers. With Kano being a stronghold of the APC, Ganduje knows that a significant chunk of the state's electorate will likely stick with the party. As a former governor and APC chairman, he has a deep understanding of the party's machinery and the loyalty of its members. According to Ganduje, the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket lacks the political strength and governance credentials needed to win over Kano voters. He questions Obi's leadership record during his tenure as governor of Anambra State, pointing out that the former governor has not demonstrated the necessary leadership skills to govern Nigeria effectively.

Ganduje's criticism of Obi's tenure as governor of Anambra State is telling. He asks, "What did he do as a governor? What legacy did he leave as a governor?" These questions highlight the doubts that Ganduje has about Obi's ability to lead Nigeria. By questioning Obi's performance in Anambra, Ganduje is effectively undermining the former governor's chances of winning over voters in Kano. This strategy is not new; APC politicians have long used similar tactics to discredit their opponents.

Ganduje's comments on Kwankwaso's inability to secure two consecutive terms as governor of Kano State also reveal a broader industry movement. The rise of regional strongmen in Nigerian politics has been a defining feature of the country's political landscape. However, with the decline of these strongmen, the APC is facing a new reality where its candidates are no longer guaranteed of winning in certain regions. The Obi-Kwankwaso ticket is a manifestation of this shift, and Ganduje's comments are evidence of the APC's efforts to adapt to this new reality.

Given the APC's strong presence in Kano, it is likely that Ganduje's comments will resonate with many voters in the state. The Obi-Kwankwaso ticket will face significant opposition from the APC, and it remains to be seen whether they can overcome this hurdle. In the short term, I predict that the APC will make significant gains in Kano, with Ganduje's comments serving as a rallying cry for the party's supporters.

As the 2027 general election approaches, the APC is gearing up for a tough fight in Kano. With Ganduje leading the charge, the party is confident that it can retain its stronghold in the state. The Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle. While it is too early to predict the outcome of the election, one thing is clear: Kano will be a key battleground in the 2027 general election, and the APC is ready to put up a fight.