The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed comments by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, over his pledge to closely monitor the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC described Kwankwaso’s remarks as “confusing and unnecessary,” insisting that the NNPP national leader no longer holds significant relevance in Nigeria’s political space.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, the party’s Public Relations Officer in Kano State, Hon. Ahmad Aruwa, said Kwankwaso’s comments showed a lack of clarity and political direction.
“He is confused and has reached some level of age, beginning to lose track of Nigerian politics. I believe he already lost the election,” Aruwa said.
Aruwa further questioned Kwankwaso’s standing within the NNPP, arguing that he lacked the authority to make such pronouncements.
“He is not the legitimate leader of the NNPP, and he is not even a candidate of any party. So, who is he monitoring INEC activities for?” he asked.
Aruwa said the APC had already concluded all necessary arrangements to ensure victory in Kano State, expressing confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and the electoral umpire.
“Our former governor, Ganduje, has been fully briefed and is satisfied with the arrangements. APC is satisfied with INEC so far,” he said.
He added that the President’s approach to governance further reinforced the party’s confidence ahead of the polls.
“President Tinubu is bringing professionals to every position. We have confidence in INEC and believe they will do justice to everyone,” Aruwa stated.
The APC spokesman also pointed to the party’s past experiences at the Supreme Court as proof of the transparency of the electoral process.
“Even when APC lost at the Supreme Court in previous elections, it showed that the system works and that there is fairness,” he said.
Aruwa accused the former Kano State governor of deliberately trying to undermine public trust in INEC, claiming that his remarks were borne out of fear of electoral defeat.
“He knows he won’t win, that’s why he is making such remarks. We urge the public to ignore him and stop listening to him,” he added.
Kwankwaso’s INEC Remarks
Naijaonpoint reports that Kwankwaso had made the comments during the NNPP national convention held in Abuja last Saturday, shortly after the re-election of party executives led by Ahmed Ajuji.
Speaking before INEC representatives and delegates from across the country, the former senator commended the commission’s role in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, while stressing the need for vigilance ahead of the 2027 polls.
“Let me thank all of you, especially those who came from far. I also want to appreciate the INEC representatives here today and, through you, congratulate the newly appointed National Chairman of the commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan.
“I want to say so far so good, we are keeping our eyes on INEC because its job is so critical that it can make or mar democracy in this country,” Kwankwaso said.
Reiterating APC’s position, Aruwa urged Nigerians to place their trust in INEC’s professionalism, insisting that attempts to discredit the commission were politically motivated.
He said the ruling party remained confident in the electoral process and fully prepared for the 2027 elections.