Redaction Africa Links 24 with Legit.ng
Published on 2024-02-26 16:47:12
A Kano-based lawyer, Umar Sa’ad Hassan, recently discussed the potential for Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to build a movement similar to that of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Umar acknowledged Kwankwaso’s status as a respected politician in the north but expressed doubts about his ability to expand his influence beyond Kano state. He suggested that for Kwankwaso to enjoy the widespread support and influence that Buhari had in 2015, he would need the backing of a significant political party like the APC or PDP, or possibly a mega party.
In an interview with Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada, Umar emphasized Kwankwaso’s political stature, particularly in Kano state, where he served as a two-term governor. However, he cautioned that without the support of a major political party, Kwankwaso’s influence is unlikely to extend beyond Kano. Umar compared Kwankwaso’s situation to Buhari’s, noting that Buhari had unique historical narratives working in his favor that Kwankwaso lacks.
To build a Buhari-like movement in the north, Umar suggested that Kwankwaso should reach out to dissatisfied politicians in the APC and PDP in other northern states. By forging alliances with these individuals, Kwankwaso could broaden his appeal beyond Kano state and establish a more widespread following. Umar emphasized the importance of identifying disgruntled politicians and those seeking to change parties, as these individuals could potentially bolster Kwankwaso’s political movement.
The conversation also touched on the performance of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, with Umar commending the governor’s proactive approach since taking office. Umar expressed optimism about Governor Yusuf’s leadership, highlighting the governor’s commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents.
In a separate development, a poll conducted on X (formerly Twitter) indicated that Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna state, may have more support for the presidency than Kwankwaso. The poll results, shared by user @A_Y_Rafindadi, showed El-Rufai narrowly edging out Kwankwaso in terms of public support. This data sparked a debate online about the potential presidential candidates for the 2027 election.
Overall, Umar Sa’ad Hassan’s insights shed light on the complexities of building a political movement in Nigeria, particularly in the context of regional power dynamics and party affiliations. As Kwankwaso navigates the political landscape, his ability to forge alliances and broaden his support base will be crucial in determining his future influence in northern Nigeria.
Read the original article on Legit.ng
