The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has expressed skepticism over claims by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), that he enjoys widespread support in the state.

Speaking at the 8th and 9th APC Kano State House of Assembly Forum Dinner, Ganduje, represented by Kano State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, declared that the NNPP’s influence in Kano is waning and predicted the party’s defeat in the 2027 elections.

“I am always surprised when Rabiu Kwankwaso claims he has the people’s support,” Ganduje said. He attributed NNPP’s 2023 victory to internal issues within the APC, asserting, “If not for our internal problems, Kwankwaso wouldn’t have won any election in Kano. Kwankwasiyya is done, and even the governor is unaware of what’s happening around him.”

Ganduje emphasized the importance of unity among APC members in Kano to reclaim the state from the NNPP. “Unity is the only way out for us to achieve our goals. God has already intervened in our situation,” he said, likening the next election to “moving a hen away from its eggs.”

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, echoed the call for unity, stating, “The issue of the election is not our problem. If it were to hold today, we have no reason to fear. Let us pray and stay united.”

The event, held in honor of prominent party members, was attended by dignitaries including Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, represented by his Chief of Staff, Muhammad Ibn Abdallah, and other party stalwarts. Abdul’azeez Garba Gafasa, the Forum’s Chairman, commended party leaders for fostering unity and urged members to continue supporting one another.

Ganduje concluded by reaffirming APC’s readiness to restore Kano’s governance, accusing the NNPP of distorting the state’s progress. “The current government is ineffective, and no one is satisfied with their governance,” he added.