ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has stated that he and his political supporters received nothing in return after contributing massively to the victory of former President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential election.
Kwankwaso said his political movement played a major role in mobilising support that helped Buhari secure victory during the historic election that ended the dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party at the federal level.
According to him, nearly two million votes were delivered from Kano and surrounding political structures under his influence during the election.
He explained that despite the enormous support and sacrifices made by his camp, they were sidelined after the government was formed.
The former governor suggested that expectations of inclusion and political cooperation were not met following Buhari’s emergence as president.
Kwankwaso’s remarks have revived discussions about political alliances, loyalty, and power-sharing arrangements within Nigerian politics.
Political observers say the statement reflects longstanding tensions among some former allies within the ruling coalition that brought Buhari to power in 2015.
The election remains one of the most significant moments in Nigeria’s democratic history because it marked the first defeat of an incumbent ruling party at the presidential level.
At the time, several opposition figures and parties united under the All Progressives Congress to challenge the PDP-led administration.
Kwankwaso was among the influential northern politicians who supported Buhari’s candidacy during that political realignment.
Analysts say internal disagreements over appointments, influence, and recognition later created divisions among key figures within the coalition.
The former governor’s comments are also being viewed within the context of ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political commentators note that many Nigerian politicians often revisit past alliances to justify new political positions and future strategies.
Kwankwaso remains an influential figure in northern politics, especially through his Kwankwasiyya political movement.
His latest remarks have generated reactions among supporters and critics, with some arguing that political alliances should not always be based on personal reward expectations.
Others, however, believe his comments expose deeper issues surrounding trust, loyalty, and power distribution within Nigeria’s political system.
Observers say the statement could further fuel debates about coalition politics and regional influence ahead of future elections.
Attention now shifts to whether Kwankwaso’s renewed criticism of past political arrangements signals possible new alliances or strategic moves before 2027.
