Kwankwaso Criticises APC Campaign Council, Calls For New Political Direction In 2027

The 2027 Vice Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised the newly constituted All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, saying Nigerians deserve a new political direction in the 2027 general election.

Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on X, where he questioned whether the APC campaign structure represented a fresh beginning or continuity with the current administration.

He said the council was made up largely of political figures who had supported, defended or served in the present government.

“Their coming together raises a fundamental question: what exactly are they asking Nigerians to vote for in 2027, a new beginning, or the continuation of the same system that has brought severe hardship to our people?” Kwankwaso said.

He described the 2027 election as a contest between Nigerians struggling with economic and security challenges and those he accused of benefiting from the existing system.

“The truth is, I see the 2027 election as a struggle between the oppressed Nigerian masses and those who have benefited from, defended and sustained the system responsible for their hardship,” he said.

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Kwankwaso cited rising food prices, unemployment, insecurity and pressure on essential services, saying farmers, businesses and young Nigerians were among those affected by the current situation.

“Our education, healthcare and other essential public services remain under enormous pressure,” he added.

The former Kano State governor urged Nigerians to use the 2027 election to demand what he described as accountable and people-centred governance.

“We must use it come 2027 election to reject continued oppression and demand accountable, people-centred governance,” Kwankwaso said, adding that the outcome of the Osun election showed that Nigerians could reject the ruling party at the polls.

Kwankwaso also appealed to former Zamfara State governor, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, to reconsider his decision to serve as Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

“As a former governor of Zamfara State and a prominent leader from the North-West, I believe Senator Yari has a clear understanding of the devastating consequences of insecurity, poverty, unemployment, displacement and the destruction of livelihoods in the region and the country at large,” he said.

He questioned whether Yari should lead a campaign seeking another term for an administration under which, according to him, many Nigerians continued to face insecurity, poverty and loss of livelihoods.

Kwankwaso also raised concerns over the reported inclusion of the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, and the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Dr Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi, in the APC campaign’s fundraising and finance structures.

“The leadership of critical public institutions demands neutrality, integrity and public confidence,” he said.

He questioned whether senior officials responsible for public revenue and national finances could simultaneously occupy senior partisan campaign positions.

“The government and the APC should explain how such arrangements are consistent with institutional neutrality and public trust,” Kwankwaso added.

He concluded by asserting that the Nigerian electorate remained more powerful than any political campaign structure.

“Ultimately, no campaign council is more powerful than the Nigerian people,” he said.