Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticised the recently constituted All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, saying its composition shows that Nigerians must choose a new political direction in the 2027 general election.
Kwankwaso, in a statement reacting to the campaign council, argued that the appointment of several political figures associated with the current administration represented a choice between continuity and change.
According to him, the composition of the council raises questions about whether the APC is offering Nigerians a new beginning or seeking another mandate to continue with the policies of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
He described the 2027 election as a contest between Nigerians struggling with economic hardship and those who, according to him, have benefited from or defended the existing political system.
Kwankwaso said millions of Nigerians were facing rising food and living costs, while young people continued to grapple with unemployment and limited economic opportunities.
He also cited insecurity, pressure on farmers and businesses, and challenges confronting the education and healthcare sectors as issues that should dominate the 2027 election.
The former Kano State governor urged Nigerians to use the election to demand accountable and people-centred governance.
“If Osun people can do it, so can all other parts of the country,” he said, apparently referring to the recent political developments in Osun State.
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 argued that Yari, having governed Zamfara State and being a prominent political figure from the North-West, was familiar with the challenges of insecurity, poverty, unemployment, displacement and destruction of livelihoods confronting the region.
Kwankwaso questioned whether Yari should lead a campaign seeking the continuation of the present administration, given the challenges facing many Nigerians.
“If in his good conscience, will lead a campaign whose principal objective is to secure the continuation of a government under which many of the people he once governed, and other innocent Nigerians remain trapped in these challenges?” he asked.
Kwankwaso 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 APC campaign’s fundraising and finance structures.
He argued that senior officials of critical public institutions were expected to maintain neutrality, integrity and public confidence.
According to him, the involvement of such officials in partisan campaign activities raises questions about whether their political roles are compatible with the responsibilities of managing public revenue and national finances.
He therefore urged the Federal Government and the APC to explain how the reported arrangements are consistent with institutional neutrality and public trust.
Kwankwaso concluded by stressing that the ultimate power in the 2027 election rests with Nigerian voters.
“Ultimately, no campaign council is more powerful than the Nigerian people,” he said.
