Former All Progressives Congress National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi lack the political structures needed in Northern Nigeria to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking at a public event in Kano, Ganduje described the North as the deciding region in Nigeria’s presidential contests, insisting that neither opposition candidate commands sufficient grassroots support across the region.
He argued that despite ongoing coalition talks among opposition parties, Atiku and Obi do not possess the political machinery required to make significant electoral gains in Northern states.
“The North is strategic in every presidential election in Nigeria,” Ganduje said, adding that President Tinubu remains better positioned to secure support in the region.
The former Kano State governor also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen the requirements for registering political parties, saying only parties with functional structures, clear ideologies and nationwide presence should participate in elections.
According to Ganduje, stricter registration standards would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy by ensuring that only viable political parties are recognised by the electoral commission.
