The National Women Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Dudu Manuga, has said former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso enjoys significant political acceptance beyond Kano State ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Manuga made the statement during an interview on Nigeria Now on Sunday, October 4, 2026, while responding to arguments that Kwankwaso’s political influence is largely restricted to Kano.
According to the NDC National Women Leader, Kwankwaso has supporters across several parts of Northern Nigeria, including the Northeast and North Central regions.
“If you look at the Northeast and North Central, he is very well accepted as well,” Manuga said.
Kwankwaso’s Support Extends Beyond Kano
Manuga acknowledged that Kano remains one of Kwankwaso’s strongest political bases but argued that his influence extends across other parts of the North.
She said the former Kano governor also enjoys considerable support in other parts of the Northwest, while his acceptance in the Northeast and North Central could provide an additional advantage for the NDC ahead of the 2027 election.
The comments come as political parties and presidential contenders intensify efforts to expand their support bases across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
For the NDC, establishing a strong presence in Northern Nigeria is expected to be an important part of its strategy ahead of the presidential contest.
NDC Banking on Kwankwaso and Peter Obi Ticket
Manuga also highlighted the combination of Kwankwaso and Peter Obi as a potential strength for the NDC.
She argued that the political combination could appeal to voters across different regions of the country as the party works to build its grassroots structures.
According to her, Kwankwaso’s northern political network, combined with Obi’s previous electoral performance and support in parts of the North, gives the NDC confidence about its prospects in the 2027 presidential election.
The party is seeking to present itself as a national political platform capable of attracting voters beyond traditional regional and political boundaries.
Economic Hardship Could Influence 2027 Vote
Manuga also linked the NDC’s political strategy to the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.
She said the hardship and pain experienced by citizens could influence how voters make their choices in the 2027 election.
The NDC National Women Leader maintained that Nigerians would consider the country’s economic situation when deciding which candidates and political parties to support.
Her comments come amid ongoing political debates over the cost of living, food prices, unemployment, healthcare and other economic pressures ahead of the 2027 elections.
NDC Targets Northern Grassroots
Manuga said the NDC is working to mobilise supporters across the northern states as it strengthens its grassroots structures.
She identified women as an important part of the party’s mobilisation strategy, particularly in taking its message directly to communities and voters.
The party’s efforts are aimed at building support across the North while also strengthening its presence in other regions.
For the NDC, the ability to convert political acceptance into votes will depend on its grassroots organisation and the strength of its candidates and campaign structure as the 2027 election approaches.
NDC Confident Ahead of 2027 Presidential Election
Manuga’s comments reflect the NDC’s confidence that Kwankwaso can attract support beyond his traditional political stronghold in Kano.
She maintained that Kwankwaso’s acceptance in parts of the Northeast, North Central and Northwest, alongside Peter Obi’s political following, could give the party a competitive advantage.
However, the 2027 presidential race remains several months away, and the eventual strength of the NDC ticket will depend on its campaign organisation, voter mobilisation and ability to translate regional support into nationwide votes.