Former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso has described the recently constituted All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Council as representing a continuation of the same system that has brought severe hardship to Nigerians.
In a statement shared on his verified Facebook account, Kwankwaso said the composition of the Council offered Nigerians a clear picture of the choice before them in the 2027 general election, adding that the election will be a struggle between the oppressed Nigerian masses and those who have benefited from and sustained the current system.
“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?” stated.
Kwankwaso who is the Vice presidential candidate to Peter Obi in the Nigerian Democratic Congress NDC lamented that families across the country are struggling with the rising cost of food and basic necessities, while 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 added.
He appealed to Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, who was named Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, to reconsider accepting the responsibility.
“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.
“I therefore will be surprised if, in his good conscience, he 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.”
The statement also raised concerns over 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.
Kwankwaso noted the leadership of critical public institutions demands neutrality, integrity and public confidence, and questioned whether the responsibilities of senior officials entrusted with managing public revenue and national finances can appropriately coexist with senior partisan campaign roles.
“The government and the APC should explain how such arrangements are consistent with institutional neutrality and public trust,” he stated.
He, however, expressed optimism that Nigerians would reject what he described as “continued oppression” in 2027 and demand accountable, people-centred governance.
“If Osun people can do it, so can all other parts of the country,” he said, adding: “Ultimately, no campaign council is more powerful than the Nigerian people.”
Ahmad Sorondinki
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