2027: Most Governors Seeking Second Term Will Be Disappointed — Kwankwaso

• Rabiu Kwankwaso has predicted that most state governors seeking re-election in 2027 will be defeated at the polls.

• Kwankwaso said issues including insecurity, poverty, unemployment and declining public services could play a major role in determining how Nigerians vote in the 2027 elections.

Vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has predicted that most state governors seeking re-election in 2027 will be defeated at the polls.

Kwankwaso said the growing political awareness among Nigerians would make it increasingly difficult for some incumbent governors to retain their seats, despite their control of state structures and political machinery.

The former Kano State governor stated this on Sunday while featuring in a Personality Interview Series in Abuja.

He cautioned governors against relying on electoral manipulation or the control of state institutions to secure another term, saying voters were becoming more determined to make independent choices during 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.

According to him, some governors who had failed to address the concerns of their constituents were now defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), allegedly believing that the party’s political machinery would help them remain in office.

Kwankwaso said issues including insecurity, poverty, unemployment and declining public services could play a major role in determining how Nigerians vote in the 2027 elections.

He urged political leaders to prioritise good governance instead of depending on political structures to impose candidates on the electorate.

Kwankwaso speaks on relationship with Obi

Kwankwaso also said he was not worried about being treated as a “spare tyre” if he and NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi win the 2027 presidential election.

He expressed confidence in the understanding reached between him and Obi, stressing that the effectiveness of a vice-president largely depends on the relationship between the president and his deputy.

Kwankwaso said he expected an Obi-Kwankwaso administration to be built around cooperation, mutual trust and effective delegation of responsibilities.

«“A president who trusts his vice-president and gives him meaningful responsibilities can achieve more for the country.»

«“And for me, I don’t think I will be sidelined by His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi, if we win the 2027 election,” he said.»

The former governor cited his experience in government, including his time as deputy speaker, minister and governor, as evidence of his preparedness to work within a leadership structure.

He recalled that while serving as governor of Kano State, he deliberately gave substantial responsibilities to his deputy, saying the arrangement allowed both leaders to contribute meaningfully to the administration.

Kwankwaso said he adopted a similar approach while serving as Minister of Defence by assigning specific responsibilities to his Minister of State.

He warned that excessive concentration of power and the desire by political leaders to control every aspect of government could undermine effective administration.

According to him, presidents and governors would achieve more by delegating responsibilities and building competent teams capable of delivering on government objectives.

Kwankwaso also expressed confidence in Obi, describing him as a leader motivated by the desire to leave a legacy of good governance rather than personal gain.

He said he would be satisfied with whatever responsibilities were assigned to him as vice-president, stressing that his priority would be serving Nigerians rather than pursuing personal interests.

Kwankwaso maintained that the success of the proposed NDC administration would ultimately depend on teamwork, mutual trust and the willingness of its leaders to place the national interest above personal ambition.