Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has revealed that he and his political allies received nothing in return after mobilising close to two million votes that helped bring former President Muhammadu Buhari to power in 2015.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Monday, Kwankwaso said the experience left him disillusioned and ultimately pushed him toward seeking a new political direction. He explained that he had worked tirelessly and put his personal safety at risk during the election that ended 16 years of Peoples Democratic Party rule at the federal level.
According to the former governor, despite delivering approximately 1.9 million votes, neither he nor the constituencies he represented saw any tangible benefit from the Buhari administration. He did not specify what rewards he had anticipated or outline precisely what the former government failed to do.
Kwankwaso used the interview to trace Nigeria’s political journey since 1999, offering assessments of each administration. He acknowledged that Olusegun Obasanjo performed to the best of his ability, that Umaru Yar’Adua was hindered by severe health challenges, and that Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure was complicated by a disputed agreement that he would serve only a single term.
He was also critical of the current administration, stating plainly that everyone is aware of the problems plaguing President Bola Tinubu’s government. He argued that these accumulated failures have created a widespread determination among ordinary Nigerians and political actors alike that meaningful change is necessary.
Kwankwaso noted that this growing appetite for change explains the surge of support the Nigeria Democratic Congress has received since he and Peter Obi formally joined the party on May 3. He said Nigerians have been voluntarily signing up and that supporters are opening party offices across the world.
Reflecting on his years in politics, the former governor said he has learned that having a president from one’s own region does not guarantee good governance. He used this insight to explain his support for zoning the NDC’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
He stressed that what the country truly needs is quality leadership — individuals who are enthusiastic, determined, and fully committed to giving Nigeria the governance it deserves.
Discussion about this post