The Kwankwasiyya Movement has strongly rejected claims made by the Director-General of Media and Publicity at the Kano State Government House, Sanusi Bature, describing his recent comments on Arise Television as misleading, politically motivated, and aimed at weakening the influence of former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, the National Coordinator of the movement, Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, accused Bature of spreading false narratives regarding Kwankwaso’s political standing, alleged alliances, and relationship with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Habeeb dismissed suggestions that Kwankwaso has become politically isolated, insisting that the former NNPP presidential candidate remains the dominant political figure in Kano State.
“Recent political developments in Kano clearly show that Kwankwaso is still the centre of politics in the state. The moment he left, the ADC practically collapsed in Kano,” he said.
He argued that the massive crowds that gather whenever Kwankwaso appears in public demonstrate the former governor’s enduring grassroots appeal.
“Whenever he is around, supporters troop out in large numbers. Sometimes, his residence becomes inaccessible because of the crowd,” Habeeb stated.
He further claimed that Kwankwaso enjoys stronger public support than many serving political officeholders in the state.
“You see buses escorting the governor with little public engagement, but when Kwankwaso arrives, the streets are filled with supporters. That reflects the political reality on the ground,” he added.
‘Kwankwaso and Obi Needed More Time in 2023’
Addressing claims that Kwankwaso refused to work with former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi during the 2023 elections, Habeeb said the political atmosphere at the time did not allow both leaders enough opportunity to properly align.
According to him, both politicians believed strongly in their individual capacities and ambitions, making collaboration difficult at the time.
“Both men were passionate about serving the country, but they did not have enough time to fully understand each other politically or determine if they were truly on the same page,” he explained.
He noted that Kwankwaso had already established structures across the country after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the NNPP.
“At that stage, the political situation was still evolving, and things were not as clear as they are today,” he said.
Habeeb, however, stressed that Kwankwaso remains open to alliances and political cooperation aimed at national unity and economic recovery.
“Nigeria needs a broad-based unity ticket capable of bridging the widening political divide in the country,” he stated.
‘Kwankwaso Is Not Working for Tinubu’
The Kwankwasiyya spokesperson also dismissed allegations that Kwankwaso is secretly working for President Bola Tinubu or the APC.
Describing the claims as “desperate attempts to smear his name,” Habeeb insisted that Kwankwaso has always been transparent in his political dealings.
“Kwankwaso has never hidden his position. If he is with you, he is with you. If he is not, he is not,” he said.
He also downplayed reports of secret negotiations between the APC and the Kwankwasiyya Movement, denying that Kwankwaso sought appointments or political concessions from the ruling party.
“My leader never instructed anyone to negotiate any deal on his behalf. Those claims are false and politically motivated,” he said.
Gov Yusuf Allegedly Pushed for APC Defection
In one of the interview’s most striking revelations, Habeeb alleged that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was the one who attempted to persuade the Kwankwasiyya Movement to defect to the APC.
According to him, Yusuf argued that political realities within the NNPP made a move to the ruling party necessary.
“The governor presented the idea and tried to convince us that moving to the APC was necessary because of issues surrounding the NNPP crisis,” Habeeb alleged.
He further claimed that efforts were made to pressure members of the movement into accepting the proposed defection.
“He was trying to compel us, by hook or crook, that we must move to the APC because of his own political interests,” he said.
Despite this, Habeeb maintained that Kwankwaso rejected unilateral decision-making and insisted on collective consultation within the movement.
“My boss is an open-minded person. He told the governor he could make his own decision, but within Kwankwasiyya, decisions are taken collectively,” he explained.
‘Attempts to Smear Kwankwaso Have Failed’
Habeeb also denied claims by Sanusi Bature that he once served as a spokesperson for the NNPP, calling the statement “a blatant lie on national television.”
According to him, Bature only served as spokesperson for Governor Yusuf during election campaigns and was later retained by the Kano State Government.
“There was never a time he served as spokesperson of the NNPP. He only worked with Governor Yusuf’s campaign structure,” he clarified.
He accused the Kano State Government of sponsoring media narratives designed to create doubt around Kwankwaso’s political relevance.
“This is a desperate attempt to weaken Kwankwaso’s influence, but it has failed completely,” he said.
Habeeb argued that if the government intended to shape public opinion credibly, it should have relied on independent political analysts rather than what he described as “paid media voices.”
‘Kwankwaso Has Always Stood by His Convictions’
Defending Kwankwaso’s political history, Habeeb said the former governor has consistently prioritised principle over political convenience.
“This is someone who left the PDP while it was the ruling party under former President Goodluck Jonathan. He also walked away from opportunities in the Buhari administration because of his convictions,” he said.
According to him, Kwankwaso does not remain in political environments where he believes things are going in the wrong direction.
“He stands by what he believes, regardless of pressure or criticism,” Habeeb added.
He also rejected claims that Kwankwaso is anti-North, describing the accusation as hypocritical.
“I don’t understand how members of the APC can suddenly claim Kwankwaso is anti-North simply because he refused to work with them,” he said.
Habeeb concluded by insisting that the Kwankwasiyya Movement would remain focused despite what he described as coordinated political propaganda aimed at distracting its leadership and supporters.
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