Beatrice Gondyi
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has issued a strong rebuttal against Northern political elites criticising the growing political understanding between its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a press release issued on Friday, May 8, 2026, the Movement accused certain commentators, particularly from the Northern political establishment, of engaging in selective attacks and misleading narratives aimed specifically at discrediting Senator Kwankwaso.
The Movement argued that what truly troubles these interests is not the mere possibility of political cooperation but the enormous national potential that a Kwankwaso-Obi alliance represents.
“For the first time in recent political history, Nigerians are witnessing the realistic possibility of a broad-based political understanding capable of bridging the long-standing regional divide in opposition politics,” the statement read.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement highlighted that Senator Kwankwaso commands one of the most disciplined and organic grassroots political structures in Northern Nigeria, particularly across Kano and the Northwest.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi continues to enjoy massive support among youths, urban voters, and large sections of Southern Nigeria.According to the Movement, the prospect of both leaders working together introduces a completely new political equation—one that transcends ethnicity, religion, and regional sentiment.”This explains the panic in certain quarters,” the group stated.
The Movement took particular issue with what it described as a double standard in the media and political commentary space. It noted that while Senator Kwankwaso is being portrayed unfairly as ambitious or disruptive, similar political engagements by others are described as strategic and patriotic.”This double standard is both unfortunate and revealing,” the press release said.
The group further asserted that any honest political observer would understand that the coming together of two leaders with proven electoral strength, independent political structures, and massive youth appeal has the capacity to fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
“Those attempting to dismiss this reality are not engaging in analysis; they are expressing political fear,” the Movement declared.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement emphasized that Senator Kwankwaso has consistently demonstrated political courage, independence, and commitment to the democratic aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.
It stressed that his political relevance is not manufactured by media houses or sustained by access to federal power, but rooted in years of service, grassroots connection, and the trust of millions of Nigerians, especially among youth and lower-income populations.
The group rejected what it called the ongoing attempt to reduce a potentially historic national political alignment into petty elite propaganda and personality attacks.
Citing Nigeria’s enormous economic, security, and governance challenges, the Movement argued that citizens are increasingly demanding issue-based politics, national inclusion, competent leadership, and a credible alternative capable of restoring hope and confidence in the democratic process.”Any political understanding that seeks to unite Nigerians across regional and political lines should be encouraged rather than demonized,” the statement read.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement urged commentators and political stakeholders to embrace fairness, maturity, and national interest in their engagements.
It reminded the public that democracy thrives through coalition-building, inclusion, and healthy political competition—not through selective hostility and orchestrated narratives targeted at individuals whose growing acceptance threatens established interests.
The Movement concluded by stating that it remains confident, focused, and fully committed to the democratic future of Nigeria, adding that the Nigerian people deserve a political environment built on unity, mutual respect, and constructive national engagement.
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