The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has criticised the role of certain northern elders in influencing the selection of candidates for presidential elections. He described their actions as detrimental to democracy and divisive to the region’s unity.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, the former governor of Kano State expressed concern over what he called the meddling of self-proclaimed northern stakeholders in the candidate selection process. He accused them of prioritising personal interests over the collective good, resulting in the emergence of unqualified candidates during elections.
“This harmful practice they engage in is sowing discord among people,” Kwankwaso remarked. “It is essential to have good intentions in everything you do. Unfortunately, some of these elders—our parents—allow selfish motives to guide their decisions in candidate selection.”
Kwankwaso further alleged that these stakeholders often manipulate the process, presenting their choices as the consensus of the northern region. “They fabricate falsehoods, gather people, and declare certain individuals as the region’s preferred candidates. But in reality, such decisions are made by only two or three people,” he said.
Highlighting the need for a change in approach, Kwankwaso urged the region’s leaders to learn from past mistakes and prioritise the region’s collective interest. He lamented that instead of advocating for the welfare of the younger generation, these elders were focused on advancing their personal agendas.
Reflecting on the 2019 general elections, Kwankwaso pointed out how the northwest produced seven presidential candidates, ranging from former governors to ministers. “We had all sorts of people—tall, short, former governors, former ministers—but in the end, the decisions were made to suit their selfish goals, without considering our collective interests,” he said.
Kwankwaso’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the influence of regional leaders in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape, with critics calling for a more inclusive and democratic approach to candidate selection.
