Former New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has warned political leaders against assuming that control of several states will guarantee victory in the 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso made the remark at a political gathering in Port Harcourt on Thursday, citing former President Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat in the 2015 presidential election as a reminder that incumbency and political structures do not automatically translate into electoral victory.
“Let me call on the people, especially those who are bragging that they have governors. They have over 30 governors. Many of these people have no experience, or they won’t forget history,” Kwankwaso said.
The former Kano State governor also recalled his defeat in the 2003 governorship election, saying his experience showed that control of government structures could not shield an unpopular administration from voters.
“I lost the election,” Kwankwaso said, before recalling Jonathan’s defeat 12 years later.
“In 2015, the same wind came. Jonathan was the president. The sitting president lost the election,” he added.
Kwankwaso argued that voters, rather than the number of governors controlled by a political party, would ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 election.
He also criticised what he described as poor governance, economic hardship and insecurity, particularly in Northern Nigeria, saying these challenges could shape voters’ decisions at the polls.
According to him, Nigerians grappling with hunger, declining purchasing power, poor infrastructure, insecurity and difficulties accessing education and healthcare have the democratic power to change the government.
“The masses have an opportunity to change the government if they so want,” he said.
Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 election as a decision about their future, stressing that issues such as employment, prosperity and freedom would be at stake.
“What’s truly on the ballot in the 2027 election is Nigeria. The future of Nigeria is on the ballot,” he said.
