Kwankwaso says APC governors lack power, accuses them of reckless spending

Vice presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Rabiu Kwankwaso, said on Arise Television on Tuesday that APC-elected governors are not in charge and lack the power governors had in 1999. He accused them of spending state funds recklessly on family and associates, then facing financial problems as a result. Kwankwaso added that many governors enter Government House believing they have defeated everyone and then stop listening to advice, and that he does not envy President Bola Tinubu’s governors.

The remarks highlight growing criticism of state-level fiscal management and centralization of power under the current administration. Kwankwaso’s comments suggest that governors may be more beholden to personal interests than to prudent governance, potentially affecting service delivery and accountability. His criticism also reflects intra‑opposition tensions as the NDC positions itself against the APC ahead of future elections.

What should citizens take from this? Should they demand greater transparency in state spending, push for stronger oversight of governors, or view the remarks as political rhetoric ahead of the next electoral cycle?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/22/governors-are-not-in-charge-under-tinubu-kwankwaso/