Kwankwaso visits Lagos markets to campaign for 2027 NDC ticket

Former Kano State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso visited Lagos State on Thursday to campaign for the upcoming 2027 general elections. The visit focused on two major markets in the Alimosho area: Katangoro and Ilepo. Kwankwaso addressed large gatherings of traders and residents, using the opportunity to brief them on the political alliance formed between the NDC and the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. He urged the attendees to remain committed to the campaign, encouraging them to act as voters, mobilisers, polling agents, and defenders of the party’s mandate in Lagos and their respective home states.

The former governor was accompanied during the visit by Funsho Doherty, the NDC candidate for the Lagos State governorship. In a statement released regarding the event, Kwankwaso expressed gratitude to the traders and residents for their warm reception and support. He noted that the primary purpose of the trip was to ensure that supporters in Lagos were fully informed about the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and prepared to participate actively in the electoral process. The visit was part of broader campaign efforts to consolidate support for the NDC in the commercially vibrant state.

Background

Rabiu Kwankwaso, a prominent political figure in Nigeria, has positioned himself as the vice-presidential running mate for Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential elections under the NDC banner. The campaign, often referred to as the Obi-Kwankwaso or OK ticket, aims to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) led by President Bola Tinubu. Lagos State is considered a crucial battleground for the 2027 elections due to its significant population and economic influence. The NDC has been actively mobilising its base in the state, with Funsho Doherty serving as the gubernatorial candidate. Previous campaign activities have focused on engaging key stakeholders, including market associations and community leaders, to build a grassroots support network. The visit to Ilepo and Katangoro markets fits into this strategy of direct engagement with the commercial sector of Lagos.

Why it matters

The reception of Kwankwaso in Lagos has generated significant political attention and discussion. A video of the event, showing a large crowd chanting the slogan "Obi Kwankwaso," went viral on social media. Businessman and political commentator Isaac Fayose described the turnout as resembling a volcano, predicting that the current administration would face significant challenges in 2027. He stated that the NDC was shaking Lagos and that President Tinubu would be unseated. Similarly, X influencer Shehu Gazali Sadiq commented that the ruling APC was in panic mode following the visit, suggesting that the presence of Peter Obi in the future would intensify the political pressure. Dr Adefolaseye Adebomi Adebayo, the South-West Coordinator of the OK Movement, described the reception as massive and expressed excitement over the level of support for the NDC ticket. These reactions highlight the growing momentum of the opposition campaign in a key state and the heightened political tensions leading up to the 2027 elections.

What happens next

The NDC is expected to continue its campaign activities in Lagos and other states ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party will likely focus on further mobilising voters and consolidating support in key commercial and residential areas. The visit to the Seriki of Agege, which also took place during this period according to Dr Adebayo, indicates a strategy of engaging traditional and community leaders alongside market associations. The outcome of these efforts will be crucial in determining the NDC's electoral strength in Lagos, a state that has historically been a stronghold for the ruling party. The campaign is set to intensify as the election date approaches, with both the NDC and the APC expected to deploy significant resources to secure their respective mandates.