2027: Kwankwaso blasts APC campaign council, says Nigerians must reject ‘oppressors’ at polls

Former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised the newly constituted All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, describing it as a gathering of individuals seeking to preserve a system he blamed for the country’s economic and social challenges.

In a statement released on Sunday, Kwankwaso said the composition of the APC campaign council offers Nigerians a clear indication of the choice before them ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to him, many of those appointed into the council had either supported, defended or actively participated in the current administration, raising concerns about what the ruling party intends to offer Nigerians in the next election.

“The council brings together many of the same political actors who have supported, defended or participated in the present administration. 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?” he said.

Kwankwaso, a Vice Presidential candidate of the NDC, argued that the 2027 election should be viewed as a contest between ordinary Nigerians and those who have benefited from the existing political 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 stated.

The former presidential candidate expressed concern over the country’s economic situation, saying many families are battling rising food prices, unemployment and insecurity, while public services remain under pressure.

“It is concerning to all well-meaning Nigerians whose across the country, their families are struggling with the rising cost of food and basic necessities. Young Nigerians face unemployment and diminishing opportunities. Farmers and businesses are struggling to survive, while millions continue to live with insecurity. Our education, healthcare and other essential public services remain under enormous pressure.”

He urged Nigerians to use the 2027 elections to demand accountable leadership, citing the outcome of the recent Osun election as an example.

“This ruling campaign structure presents another scenario between the oppressors and the oppressed. We must use it come 2027 election to reject continued oppression and demand accountable, people-centred governance. If Osun people can do it, so can all other parts of the country.”

Kwankwaso also made a direct appeal to former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, who was appointed Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, asking him to reconsider accepting the role.

“I particularly appeal to my brother, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, who has accepted to serve as Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, to reflect deeply and reconsider accepting this responsibility.”

He said Yari, as a former governor from the North-West, understands the impact of insecurity, poverty, unemployment and displacement on the region and the country.

“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.”

Kwankwaso questioned whether Yari could, in good conscience, lead a campaign aimed at extending the tenure of an administration under which, he claimed, many Nigerians continue to suffer.

“I therefore will be surprised if in his good conscience, will lead a campaign whose principal objective is to secure the continuation of a government under which many of the people he once governed, and other innocent Nigerians remain trapped in these challenges?”

He 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 campaign’s fundraising and finance structures.

He argued that officials occupying strategic public offices should maintain political neutrality.

“There is also a serious institutional question concerning the 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 campaign’s fundraising and finance structures.”

“The leadership of critical public institutions demands neutrality, integrity and public confidence. It is therefore legitimate to ask whether the responsibilities of senior officials entrusted with managing public revenue and national finances can appropriately coexist with senior partisan campaign roles.”

Kwankwaso called on the Federal Government and the APC to clarify how such appointments align with the principles of institutional neutrality and public trust.

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

He concluded by insisting that the ultimate decision in 2027 rests with Nigerian voters.

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