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2023 And The Concomitant Credit Of Collaborating With Kwankwaso

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Atiku, Tinubu,Obi and Kwankwaso

 

By Bala Ibrahim.

The conventions have come and gone, now the stage is set for serious campaign, in the struggle for the political control of Nigeria. It is a battle between all the political parties, which, according to the show and display of their strengths, can be classified into heavyweight, middleweight and lightweight.

Under normal circumstance, in a political contest, the one party that should be of concern to everybody is the heavyweight, because it is the frontrunner. However, with what is trying to happen in Nigeria, as the country prepares for the 2023 general election, the scenario seems set, for the lightweight to gain more prominence than the heavyweight, with Kwankwaso poised to play the central actor.

The 2023 general election of Nigeria is scheduled to hold in February and in the bid for who succeeds President Muhammadu Buhari, the two major political parties have fielded juggernauts, with former vice President Atiku Abubakar in the PDP, and the former governor of Lagos state, chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the APC.

APC is the ruling party and PDP is the major opposition party. But a seemingly inconsequential party with the name NNPP has also entered the race, driven by the force of an individual, that is fast becoming a thorn on the throat of Nigeria’s political heavyweights. The person in question is Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano state.

Ordinarily, if Muhammadu Buhari is contesting, the coming of Kwankwaso would not be much of a problem, they have tested their strengths before, and the result has shown the clarity in the difference. But Buhari would not be there. It would be a clear contest between Atiku and Tinubu, and Kwankwaso had once beaten Atiku. But can he beat Tinubu?

2023: INEC distributes additional 209 voter registration machines to Kano, Lagos and other SE states

The theory under test is not whether Kwankwaso can beat Tinubu or Atiku right away. No. All rationale indices are not in support of such supposition. But the major worry is that he can play the spoiler that would dampen the performance of the two.

With Kano being a major reservoir of votes in Nigeria, and with his large followership in Kano, anyone who thinks Kwankwaso can not harm the calculation, needs to visit the psychiatrist. Yes, anyone unwilling to perish the thought of Kwankwaso’s inferior political powers, can be classified as a certified candidate for Dawanau or Arrow mental home.

I am not a supporter of Kwankwaso, because his political humility is in conflict with my own concept of modesty in politics and followership. However, I am not a nincompoop, who would play the fool, or hide behind a finger, by down playing the political powers of Kwankwaso in Kano. He has visible followers, and where the need for physical presence is required, they can come freely as a fearful force.

Whether their intimidating presence has the capacity to effect a change, is another subject of discussion. But on face value, they are there with a no-nonsense posture.

It is in recognition of his ability to command or even control and influence the outcome of political events in Kano, vis a vis the strategic importance of Kano as the state with the second largest registered voters, that I feel, there is a lot to gain, by collaborating with Kwankwaso in order to gain victory in the 2023 general elections.

Sometimes last month, on a Channels TV programme, former governor Orji Kalu, and the current senate chief whip, cried out loud that, Kwankwaso stands to benefit if the APC and the PDP fail to field the 2023 presidential candidates from the south-east and north-east. Alas, the two parties have not heeded to the warnings of Orji Kalu, whose main concern is the votes of Kano, and how Kwankwaso can play a spoiler, which is beginning to manifest in the high profile defections to the NNPP, the party he is controlling.

Kwankwaso was in the APC, but dumped it and joined the PDP. Not long ago, he also dumped the PDP for the little known NNPP, wherein he declared his intention to run for president in 2023.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Lagos and Kano States have the highest number of registered voters with 6.5 million and 5.4 million respectively.

In 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari won all the 44 local government areas of Kano State with 1.4 million votes, to beat Atiku Abubakar, who succeeded in getting only 391,593 votes. Overall, PMB cornered 15.2m votes compared to the 11.3 m for Atiku Abubakar.

So if the arithmetic is done well, it means, out of the nearly 2m vote margin between PMB and Atiku, about 1.5m votes came from Kano. This means whoever has control of Kano, is virtually a winner in waiting. Hence, the concomitant credit of collaborating with Kwankwaso come 2023.

I am sure even Kwankwaso is aware of this. He knows that his party hasn’t the wherewithal to grab the presidency, but because of his support in Kano, he has the capacity to play the spoiler.

The news making the rounds is that Atiku is making moves to reach out to Kwankwaso for possible collaboration against next year. Yesterday, Mallam Nasir El-Eufai was on Channels TV, talking about the importance of his party, the APC reaching out to Kwankwaso.

So either way, Kwankwaso has become the necessary bride, that needs to be courted, because there is concomitant credit in such collaboration.

Governor Ganduje is there for the APC, but there is an adage in Hausa that says, even if you are handsome, it would do you some good to boost it with a bath.

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Opinion

Kano APC Crisis: An Open Letter to President Tinubu

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I hope this letter finds you well Your Excellency. As Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads, I write to you today as a concerned and dedicated member of the All Progressives Congress in Kano, compelled by the urgency of our nation’s challenges and aware of your unwavering determination to steer it unto the path of greatness.

But a united front is indispensable in achieving your grand plan for the nations success. Internal party crisis in my dear state, threatens the very foundation upon which your vision lies – unity – and this I write to you today, eager spark meaningful dialogue and constructive action on your part.

Mr. President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and leader of our party, your urgent intervention is crucial to address the pressing issues at hand. If left unattended, it may escalate into a crisis that could have far-reaching and devastating consequences for the party, making it challenging to manage. Your timely action would help mitigate this risk and ensure the party’s stability.

In Kano, it is generally acknowledged that Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former governor and current National Chairman, leads our party. Members have consistently shown loyalty to his leadership since day one.

You will also recall that Dr. Ganduje actively supported your presidential bid, demonstrating a pure, genuine and unmixed commitment to your cause during both the presidential primaries and general elections. However, some individuals now seek to drive a wedge between you and the Chairman, feeling threatened by his influential position as the National Chairman of our great party.

Mr President sir, It is imperative to hold the Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin accountable for plunging the All Progressives Congress into an avoidable crisis since taking office. As a seasoned politician and senator representing Kano North since 2015, his actions have significant implications. Barau Jibrin’s leadership has sparked division within the party, necessitating urgent attention to prevent further escalation.

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Due to the recent removal of Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo as Minister, the All Progressives Congress is facing an unprecedented crisis in Kano North, a stronghold of the party since 2015. This division, fueled by Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin’s actions, threatens the party’s stability. As a leader, Mr. President, it’s crucial to address this issue sustainably.

Barau Jibrin’s political strategy and human relations have been questionable, yet his influence led to the sacking of a loyal minister, Gwarzo. This decision was disheartening, considering Gwarzo’s impressive track record as a generous, humble, and grassroots politician. The people of Kano are upset, and rightfully so.

It’s essential to recognize Barau Jibrin’s intentions. He’s only loyal to you, Mr. President, because of your current position. History shows he’ll turn against you once you’re no longer in office. His self-serving nature is evident in his interactions with grassroots politicians.

To pacify the people and resolve the ongoing crisis, reappointing Gwarzo is imperative. This move will demonstrate your commitment to loyalty and fairness. The APC’s future in Kano North depends on it.

Mr. President, to ensure the party is back on track, it is crucial to prioritize collaboration with loyalists and consider the input of key stakeholders in Kano. This means moving away from decision-making that caters to a single individual who claims control over Kano North. Instead, foster an inclusive approach that values diverse perspectives and promotes unity within the party.

By doing so, you’ll not only strengthen the party’s foundation but also demonstrate your commitment to fairness and representation. This approach will help prevent unnecessary conflicts and ensure that the party’s interests are truly served. It’s essential to recognize that the party’s success relies on collective efforts, not individual interests.

For your information Mr President, Barau’s electoral successes can be attributed to the popularity of the House of Representatives candidates from his Senatorial District. These individuals are widely admired and respected by their constituents. However, rather than leveraging his own strengths, Barau has consistently relied on the goodwill and reputation of these candidates to secure his own victories, essentially seeking shelter under their umbrella.

It’s not yet too late for the President to do the needful for the interest of Kano State and the party at large. With the weight of history and the hopes of a generation on your shoulders, I urge you to confront the harsh realities that threaten our collective progress.

Nabahani Yusuf Gogori writes from Gogori town in Bagwai

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Opinion

Unmasking Excellence : Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s (Jagora) Leadership Style

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By Abba Anwar

Without any doubt, Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s name rings bell in Kano politics, particularly, in his political zone, Kano South. It rings bell not because he is terrifying, but simply because, his name, alone, signifies examplary leadership, selfless service to humanity, genuine loyalty and un-arguable commitment for the survival of the party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in this context.

While he is not a seeker of any elective public office, or party position, as I study him and his political antecedents, he believes, supporting party leadership and followership is one of the surest ways of strengthening the party, against all odds. I kindly call my readers to go to Rogo and substantiate my submission.

Here is a lone Jagora (leader) who spends from his hard earned resources to support the party without thinking of getting anything from anybody, no matter how highly placed, that person could be. His magnanimous touches go beyond party lines. Go to Rogo and seek for more clarification.

If Kano APC is really serious about mending fences, gaining more grassroot support, bouncing back in pre, during and post 2027, people like Idi Zare must be on board. I never met this gentleman. In fact I don’t even know his face, anyway. I come from Dala local government, Kano Central. But I came to know about him for quite sometime now.

He, unlike many of our politicians, made his fortunes outside government. But he spends stupendously in people’s welfare, needs and loyalty. One good thing about him, is, while engaging in such activities, he is not vying for any position. Meaning, this gentleman is acting the script of his good heart. He is indeed a morale booster from whatever standpoint you look at him.

This is somebody whose loyalty is not dangling. He supports what he believes in, with all his heart. By whatever standard, Zare is a Phoenix. And trains people to become that.

I caption this piece, as Unmasking Excellence… because, here is a strong party man, whose support and faith in the party and beyond, are more or less, left near lowest ebb. If we can have enough Zare’s replica from all our political zones, in Kano, regret and backwardness could be things of the past. No doubt about this!

I can also understand that, even among our APC strong men in the state, only those of them who are more loyal and sensitive to the welfare of the party members, are the ones that understand his (Zare) worth and work with him hand in hand, for the survival of the party, in the state and the nation in general.

Zare’s clear understanding of political cohesion as a recipe for good governance gives him more courage to see to the welfare and unassuming political engagement with the view to bring all politicians to state growth and development.

The issue goes beyond dishing out resources to people for massaging the economic hardship, he helps in perfecting people’s transportation network, via the provision of vehicles for their personal use. He recently distributed cars and motorbikes for his people. Not because he got a single Kobo from any government institution. He uses his hard earned money to do what he sincerely believes in.

He is also being disturbed by the economic hardship plaguing the society. Which makes hunger more visible than before. That makes him to be up and doing in cushioning the effect of this ugly experience. He distributes foodstuff on frequent basis. To help body and soul live together.

Zare Jagora is not any super human being, only that he believes in making people happy. While being interested in developing his people, without recourse to any ambition or expectations, he believes when man is developed, all other systems can work in harmony to each other.

If and only if, APC as a strong party in Kano, and the nation in general, is really interested in victory, strength and service to humanity, Zare’s legacy and immense contributions to humanity should not be downgraded to the bottom of the ladder.

Anwar was former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

November 4th, 2024

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Opinion

Northern Nigeria’s Silence Amidst Rising Injustices: A Call for a Return to Principled Leadership

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The worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria is no longer merely a concern—it has become a full-blown crisis threatening the lives and liberties of millions. Kidnapping, once considered the work of hardened criminals, is now perceived as a lucrative trade. Even more disturbing is the encroachment of this practice into governance, with reports of state authorities detaining citizens under questionable circumstances, particularly young protesters. These developments raise difficult questions about the strength and integrity of leadership in Northern Nigeria and leave us wondering whether the region still has leaders who genuinely represent its people.

The recent detention of minors, allegedly in unhealthy conditions, illustrates this chilling trend. These young individuals were reportedly taken by the authorities while engaging in a protest to call for better governance. Their alleged crime? Waving a foreign flag, in this case, the Russian flag, which authorities deemed treasonous. They did so, perhaps naively, without recognizing the potential implications, yet the state treated them with severity, reportedly requiring a staggering N10 million per person as bail. In contrast, individuals in Southern Nigeria have raised foreign flags and voiced secessionist sentiments without facing equivalent punishments.

This discrepancy raises difficult questions about the consistency of the law and whether it is applied equally across the country. Why are Northern youth held to such strict standards while similar actions in other regions seem to be treated with leniency? Historically, the North was known for its stalwart leaders—individuals who stood up for the people, challenged the government when necessary, and never allowed the region to be compromised. Leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, and Malam Aminu Kano left a legacy of dignity, integrity, and advocacy for Northern interests. These figures prioritized the wellbeing of their people, standing up against exploitation and injusticeTheir voices resonated across Nigeria, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Today, however, the lack of a unified voice from Northern leaders is disheartening. In the past, these leaders would not have hesitated to demand justice for the detained minors or to negotiate on behalf of their people. Now, the silence of Northern elites on issues like insecurity, youth incarceration, and poor governance has left a void. Instead of elders standing firmly to shield and protect the region’s youth, we are witnessing a tragic indifference that has left many young people feeling abandoned. This crisis of leadership in Northern Nigeria has had severe consequences. Kidnapping and banditry are ravaging communities, youth are disillusioned, and the voices of the people are ignored or, worse, suppressed.

The North is bleeding, and without intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate. To the elders of the North, if indeed they still exist in spirit and purpose, it is time to rise. The North needs a collective, principled voice to stand against injustice and ensure that the region’s youth are protected and that their futures are not sacrificed to lawlessness or state oppression. The need for Northern Nigeria to reclaim its dignified, protective, and principled leadership has never been more urgent. It is time to break the silence.

Abubakar Ibrahim can be reach via:

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habuibrahim76@gmail.com
+2348098454956

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