Northerners won’t be swayed by rice, chicken in 2027 —Kwankwaso

By Musa Baba Adamu

Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has accused governors across the country of depending on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for electoral success ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that Northern voters have become more politically conscious.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE TV, monitored in Abuja, Kwankwaso said the era when politicians could sway Northern electorates with food items during campaigns was fading.
According to him, “Our governors have made so much mistakes. I can tell you that all the governors are relying on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to win the elections. Things have changed. Northerners no longer want rice or chicken like the other party does.”
The former presidential candidate also disclosed that he had been holding talks with former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as part of ongoing political consultations ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
Kwankwaso revealed that both politicians had discussed possible solutions to the country’s insecurity challenges and expressed readiness to work with Obi or any candidate produced by the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
“Peter Obi and I have discussed a lot of ways we can tackle insecurity. I have worked together with people across the board, and I am sure of my capacity,” he said.
He further stated that he would accept the position of running mate if the party decided to field a Southern presidential candidate.
“If the party decides that I will be anybody’s running mate from the South, I am ready,” he added.
Kwankwaso explained that the NDC’s decision to zone its presidential ticket to the South was aimed at addressing political tensions surrounding power rotation in the country.
According to him, the arrangement would allow the South to hold power for four years before it returns to the North.
He stressed, however, that competence and commitment to governance should take precedence over regional considerations.
“What is key now is not the presidency from the North or South, but rather to have quality leadership, people who are enthusiastic, determined and committed to give the country the leadership it deserves,” he said.
Kwankwaso and Obi recently joined the NDC from the African Democratic Congress, fueling speculations that both politicians may emerge as the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the 2027 election.