Former Kano State governor and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticised the recently constituted All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, describing its composition as a continuation of the current administration.
Kwankwaso, in a statement, said the council, which comprises several political actors associated with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had raised questions about the direction the ruling party intends to take in the 2027 general election.
According to him, Nigerians are being presented with a choice between “a new beginning” and the continuation of what he described as a system that has subjected citizens to severe hardship.
He said the 2027 election should be viewed as a contest between Nigerians struggling with economic and security challenges and those who have benefited from or defended the existing system.
Kwankwaso cited rising food prices, unemployment, insecurity and declining opportunities for young people among the challenges confronting Nigerians.
He also expressed concern over the difficulties faced by farmers and businesses, as well as pressure on the country’s education, healthcare and other essential public services.
“This ruling campaign structure presents another scenario between the oppressors and the oppressed,” he said, urging Nigerians to use the 2027 election to demand accountable and people-centred governance.
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.
He said Yari, as a former governor and prominent leader from the North-West, was familiar with the effects of insecurity, poverty, unemployment, displacement and the destruction of livelihoods in the region.
Kwankwaso questioned whether Yari could, “in his good conscience,” lead a campaign seeking the continuation of a government under which many Nigerians remain affected by those challenges.
The former presidential candidate 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 the leadership of critical public institutions required neutrality, integrity and public confidence.
Kwankwaso therefore called on the Federal Government and the APC to explain how the involvement of senior officials responsible for public revenue and national finances in partisan campaign structures was compatible with institutional neutrality and public trust.
He, however, maintained that the ultimate strength of any political campaign rests with the electorate.
“Ultimately, no campaign council is more powerful than the Nigerian people,” he said.
