Nigeria: 2027 - Kwankwaso Knocks APC Campaign Council, Says Election Choice Between Oppressors, Oppressed

What the report says

Former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has criticised the All Progressives Congress’ newly announced presidential campaign council for Nigeria’s 2027 election, arguing that its composition reflects continuity with the current administration rather than a fresh start. The comments were reported by Premium Times in a story distributed by AllAfrica and dated 24 August 2026. Kwankwaso, who is identified in the report as the vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, made the remarks in a post on X.

According to the report, Kwankwaso framed the 2027 vote as a choice between ordinary Nigerians facing economic pressure and political actors he said have supported policies tied to hardship. He pointed to food inflation, weak employment prospects, insecurity and strain on public services as evidence of the country’s difficulties. He also singled out the APC campaign council’s director-general, former Zamfara governor Abdul’aziz Yari, urging him to reconsider the role on the grounds that he understands the impact of insecurity and poverty in the north-west.

Kwankwaso further questioned the inclusion of senior public finance officials in the APC campaign structure, raising concerns about neutrality and public trust. He cited appointments of officials linked to revenue and budget institutions as part of the party’s fundraising and financial organs. The report said former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad responded on X, rejecting Kwankwaso’s description of the race and saying the election should focus on performance, ideas and governance rather than partisan labels.