Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, has warned governors hoping to use electoral manipulation and state government structures to secure re-election in 2027 that they may be disappointed.
Kwankwaso made the comment on Sunday in Abuja during the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Personality Interview Series.
The former Kano State governor said some governors who had failed to meet the needs of their people were moving to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), allegedly believing that the party’s political strength would help them win another term.
He said growing concerns over insecurity, poverty, unemployment and poor public services could affect how Nigerians vote in the 2027 elections.
“What I foresee in the 2027 elections is that most of the governors seeking re-election will be disappointed because people will not support them,” Kwankwaso said.
Kwankwaso said Nigerians were becoming more politically conscious and would not necessarily support politicians simply because they controlled government structures.
He pointed to the large number of children out of school and the insecurity affecting communities across the country as reasons citizens were demanding better leadership.
The former Kano governor also highlighted some of the programmes implemented during his time in office, particularly in education.
He said his administration expanded access to primary, secondary and tertiary education for qualified residents, while also introducing programmes to address the Almajiri challenge.
According to him, his government also invested in educational infrastructure, including hostels for students.
Kwankwaso criticised the growing movement of politicians from opposition parties into the APC, saying some were doing so mainly to gain political advantage ahead of the 2027 elections.
He maintained that the ultimate decision would rest with Nigerian voters, regardless of the political structures controlled by incumbent governors.
He argued that governments could improve citizens’ lives when public resources were properly prioritised and used to address pressing needs.
‘Most governors seeking re-election in 2027 will be disappointed’ – Kwankwaso