The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, voiced strong criticism on Thursday, stating that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, is working against the interests of the poor masses. Kwankwaso further predicted that the APC would be voted out of power in 2027 because, in his view, the party will never change its policies or approach towards governance, which have largely disadvantaged the common people.
He noted that the current economic and social situation in the country, particularly under the Tinubu administration, has left many Nigerians dissatisfied and disillusioned. According to Kwankwaso, the hardships caused by the current government’s policies are becoming unbearable for the majority of citizens, especially in the northern regions of the country, and the people are unlikely to tolerate these conditions beyond 2027.
Kwankwaso made these remarks while receiving a large number of defectors from the APC to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) at his residence on Miller Road in Kano. The defectors, who came from various local government areas, represent a growing shift away from the APC, according to the former governor. He described the influx of new members into the NNPP as historic and symbolic of the dwindling influence of the APC in critical regions of the country.
Kwankwaso highlighted the deteriorating living conditions in the country, particularly in northern Nigeria, where insecurity and poverty have deepened under the APC-led government. He stated that Nigerians, especially northerners, have endured enough suffering, and no amount of pressure or intimidation will change their resolve to seek new leadership and governance alternatives. Kwankwaso urged citizens to rethink their support for the current administration and to recognize that the APC has failed in its initial mission to alleviate the hardships facing the poor masses.
“It is now clear,” Kwankwaso emphasized, “that the APC government is working against the poor and will never change. Despite their plans to use security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to influence future elections, Nigerians are fed up, and there will be a strong push for change in the 2027 elections.” His comments reflect growing discontent within the electorate, who are increasingly questioning the APC’s ability to address the country’s most pressing challenges.
The defection of key APC members from Ganduje’s hometown, Dawakin Tofa, as well as from Dala, Kiru, and Gwale local government areas, underscores the crumbling support for the ruling party in these regions. Kwankwaso pointed out that the mass defections are a clear indication that the APC’s political structure is eroding, with more citizens losing faith in its leadership.
In conclusion, Kwankwaso expressed his belief that the APC, which was initially formed to mitigate the hardships faced by the masses, has instead exacerbated poverty and insecurity across the nation. He added, “Nigerians are tired and cannot endure these conditions beyond 2027,” reiterating his call for a change in leadership and direction for the country. The large number of defectors to the NNPP represents a growing dissatisfaction with the APC’s governance, particularly in key areas of Kano State.
Meanwhile, the decampees from APC include notable individuals from Ganduje’s hometown, Dawakin Tofa, as well as from Dala, Kiru, and Gwale local government areas, further indicating a shift in political loyalties in these areas of the state.