A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, has said the presidential candidate for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Atiku Abubakar cannot rely on Hausa-Fulani support alone to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
This was contained in a statement signed by Dr Kwankwaso on Monday.
According to the statement, Kwankwaso argued that the political situation in northern Nigeria had changed and that Atiku could no longer count on ethnic or regional sentiments to secure voters’ support.
He said Atiku lacked the level of acceptance and political influence enjoyed by the late President Muhammadu Buhari across the North.
“Atiku is not Buhari. He does not possess the size, stature and acceptance of the late Nigerian President to pose a threat to President Tinubu,” Kwankwaso said.
The APC chieftain also questioned Atiku’s record during his eight years as vice president.
“Atiku has yet to show Nigerians what he achieved during his eight years as vice president. Voters are now more concerned about leadership performance, development and policies that can improve their lives than ethnic or religious sentiments,” Kwankwaso said.
“The North has gone beyond primordial sentiment, and his penchant for relying on the ethno-religious card will certainly fail him,” he said.
Kwankwaso further alleged that Atiku’s political associates were concerned about his ability to secure support among Hausa-Fulani voters.
The APC chieftain expressed confidence in Tinubu’s political standing in northern Nigeria, despite efforts by opposition figures to build a regional alliance against the President.
“Tinubu would remain a formidable contender in the North despite attempts by opposition forces to build a regional coalition against the President,” he added.
Atiku cannot rely on Hausa, Fulani votes to beat Tinubu - APC chieftain Kwankwaso