BY CHIJIOKE CHARLES
Senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh, has declared that the presidential running mate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, cannot be defeated in Kano State if the 2027 general election is free, fair and credible.
Umeh made the statement during his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, while discussing the strength of opposition parties and their preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.
The senator insisted that Kwankwaso remains a formidable political force in Kano, warning against claims by political opponents that victory in the state is already guaranteed for any candidate.
“Nobody can beat Kwankwaso in Kano. He is the vice-presidential candidate of the NDC. No matter the noise they’re making, nobody will beat him there,” Umeh said.
The Anambra senator, however, noted that it was still too early for any candidate or political party to declare victory, pointing out that campaigns and political activities were still developing ahead of the election.
Umeh said he was working closely with Kwankwaso and other NDC leaders, adding that the opposition party was preparing to mount a serious challenge in the 2027 elections.
He also referred to recent political gatherings and engagements involving opposition figures, including the reception given to Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the NDC governorship candidate in Rivers State, in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the political activities involving Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, and other opposition figures could further shape voter sentiment in different parts of the country before the election.
Umeh also spoke about the political situation in Rivers State, saying the NDC’s strength in the state would become clearer as the 2027 election draws closer, despite the influence of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the wider opposition coalition.
“Anything can happen. So it is not something you can stay in your room and say that it is all over. Everybody will work hard,” he said.
The senator maintained that similar political surprises could emerge in other states, stressing that no candidate should assume victory before Nigerians cast their ballots.
“You cannot predict victory for anybody in a clean electoral process,” Umeh said.
He called for a political environment where candidates and parties would be allowed to campaign freely without intimidation or suppression.
Umeh’s comments come amid increasing political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, with major parties and opposition groups intensifying their efforts to build support across the country. His claim about Kano places particular attention on the state, where Kwankwaso has a significant political base and where the contest is expected to attract considerable attention.
The senator’s remarks are political claims rather than an established election result, and the eventual outcome will depend on the candidates, campaigns, voter participation and the conduct of the electoral process.
