Kwankwaso criticises APC 2027 campaign council, calls it continuation of oppression
Former Kano State Governor and NDC vice presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso criticised the newly constituted All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general election, saying it brings together the same political actors who have supported the current administration. In a statement posted on X on Sunday, he framed the upcoming contest as a battle between the "oppressed Nigerian masses" and political figures responsible for widespread economic hardship, food inflation, job losses, and insecurity affecting businesses, farmers, healthcare, and education. Kwankwaso appealed to former Zamfara State Governor Abdul'aziz Yari, appointed Director-General of the council, to reconsider, arguing Yari understands the northwest's socioeconomic and security collapse. He also raised concerns over the inclusion of public finance officials Zacch Adedeji (Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service) and Tanimu Kurfi (Director-General of the Budget Office) in the council's financial organs, questioning how national treasury managers can serve partisan roles without compromising integrity. Responding, former presidential media aide Bashir Ahmad rejected the oppressor-oppressed label, urging judgment of the council by its policies, visions, and competence, and stating Yari is capable of independent judgement. He argued the 2027 election should focus on performance, ideas, and Nigeria's future, not inflammatory narratives. Will Nigerians evaluate the 2027 contest based on candidates' records and visions, or allow themselves to be framed by oppressor versus oppressed labels?