Kwankwasiya movement: Auspicious time for Kwankwaso to face reality, by Kola Amzat

Like late Mallam Aminu Kano who reigned in the Kano political space until his demise, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has equally been a dominant political figure in the ancient city for more than three decades.

But, unlike late Aminu Kano who embodied modesty, service in its raw form, with Kano talakawas at the centerpiece of his leadership, Rabiu Kwankwaso is a modern day politician that has immensely benefited from his stewardship of leadership.   

He led Kano as governor for eight years. He served two separate terms (1999–2003 and 2011–2015). He was also a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, from 2015 -2019. He represented Kano Central Senatorial District under the APC platform. Prior to this, he was Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives in 1992.

Instructively, he was also instrumental to the emergence of Dr. Umar Abdulahi Ganduje who governed the state from 2015-2023, as well as the incumbent governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf who has been in charge since Year 2023.   

Technically, it could be inferred that Senator Kwankwaso has been directly and indirectly in charge and control of Kano politics since the turn of 4th Republic in 1999, about 26 years ago.

It’s also important to submit that Kano state, as the most populous in the entire country, with about 44 LGAs need optimal support of federal government to cause development in all facets-education, roads infrastructures, medical facilities, socio-economy, and more importantly, efficient & robust security architecture.  

Of course, it’s apparent that the state doesn’t have that huge resources to accommodate the aforementioned diverse needs. The state, under the control of NNPP largely relies on monthly allocation from FAAC.

Of course, the State’s monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is insignificant compared with littoral states, and other states with preponderance of manufacturing companies.

This perhaps accounted for why the incumbent governor thought it wise to align with the government at the centre, by defecting to APC with the hope that the challenge of funding developmental projects would significantly ease off.      

But, the information in the public domain indicated that the leader of NNPP-Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso wouldn’t have this.

As far as he’s concerned, defection of the governor, Federal Law Makers of NNPP affiliation, the Kano EXCO members, LGA Chairmen and other party functionaries could only come to manifestation if the ruling party could guarantee him vice presidential slot of the party in the forthcoming general elections.           

The crux of this Piece: Senator Kwankwaso has largely been unreasonable and overreaching.

As a politically savvy and key player in the Nigerian political space for more than three decades, he ought to have realized that his demand is capable of causing unnecessary uproar and confusion in the ruling party.

Even, it’s not guaranteed that the incumbent vice president would be on the ballot with the president, despite his outstanding performance in all facets, as well as his unalloyed loyalty to the president.

Senator Kwankwaso can’t pretend that he’s oblivious of the outcry and perennial agitations of the Nigerian Christian community, demanding for Muslim-Christian ticket, since the inauguration of President Tinubu administration.

And, there is no denying the fact that the agitation is appropriate and germane.

According to WCE Oct 2023, the current ratio of population of Muslim to Christian in Nigeria stood at 46.3% to 46.2%, a development that indeed provides absolute justification for Muslim-Christian ticket, as the nation inches to 2027 general elections.    

This is one salient point Senator Kwankwaso ought to have considered before he started making his provocative and very unreasonable demand.

His declaration that Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf will not be re-elected is preposterous, unbecoming, unfounded and reckless.

He would soon realize that he doesn’t have that power.  

Even if the president resolved to be adamant in maintaining the Muslim-Muslim ticket, the odds still favour the incumbent, Senator Kashim Shettima for his loyalty, deep governance insight and the need to maintain political balance, with vice president political background of North East zone, as well as his intelligence and creativity.

In all these, it’s indeed an auspicious time for Senator Kwankwaso to start relinquishing leadership of the NNPP as new, modern, progressive and insightful leaders have emerged, otherwise, he may soon realize that he’s no more politically relevant.   

Kola AMZAT (FCA, FCIB)

Lagos based Financial & Management Consultants,

09077509348.