Former Kano State Governor and political stalwart, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has voiced strong opposition to what he describes as undue interference by self-proclaimed Northern leaders in the selection of presidential candidates.
Kwankwaso accused a select group of individuals, under the guise of representing the Northern region, of imposing candidates on the populace. He argued that such practices sow division, undermine democracy, and lead to the emergence of unqualified leaders.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Kwankwaso called for lessons to be learned from past elections, urging these so-called leaders to refrain from meddling in the democratic process. Northern elders, particularly from the Northwest, should stop playing favorites in the selection of candidates, he emphasized.
The former governor also dismissed rumors of an alleged power-sharing agreement involving himself, former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Labour Party. He clarified that no such arrangement exists, underscoring his stance on transparency and fairness in governance.
Kwankwaso’s remarks come as political alignments and preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election. His statements signal growing resistance to regional political blocs controlling national leadership outcomes.