Daily Feeds Newspapers

Northern Youth Assembly Accuses Kwankwaso of Abandoning Core Northern Ideals Over Obi Alliance
.....................

The Northern Youth Assembly (NYA) has launched a strong criticism of former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, accusing him of abandoning the core values and principles upon which his political movement was built through an alleged alliance with Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Secretary General, Dr. Hafiz Garba, the group described the political partnership as a "betrayal" of the ideals of northern pride, dignity, and cultural identity that it said had long defined the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
According to the assembly, the movement gained prominence through its emphasis on northern development, educational advancement, economic empowerment, and the protection of northern interests. It noted that Kwankwaso's political appeal was built largely on his image as a champion of northern aspirations and values.

The group argued that the reported alliance has raised concerns among many northerners because of what it described as past remarks by some supporters of the Obidient Movement regarding revered northern historical and political figures.

Specifically, the assembly cited the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and former Premier of Northern Nigeria; Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria's first Prime Minister; and Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio, the renowned Islamic scholar and founder of the Sokoto Caliphate, as prominent northern figures whose legacies it claimed had been subjected to criticism by some supporters within the Obidient political camp.

The statement questioned why Kwankwaso had not publicly addressed or condemned such comments, insisting that northerners deserved clarity on how the alliance aligns with the values the Kwankwasiyya Movement has historically projected.
"The north has every right to demand answers regarding the implications of this political relationship and its impact on the ideals of northern dignity and heritage," the statement said.
The assembly maintained that the symbols and identity of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, particularly its emphasis on northern pride and political consciousness, were incompatible with any association involving individuals or groups perceived to have disparaged the region's historical icons.

It further contended that the alleged alliance represents a significant departure from the principles many supporters believed the movement stood for and urged political leaders in the region to remain committed to protecting northern interests and preserving the legacies of its founding figures.

The group concluded by calling on northern voters to carefully scrutinize emerging political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections and to support leaders it believes will uphold the region's cultural heritage and political aspirations.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso nor the Kwankwasiyya Movement had publicly responded to the claims contained in the statement.

Peter Obi's Romance with A Terrorist Group (IPOB) Exposes A Dangerous Agenda Against Nigeria

- Sufyan Lawal Kabo (Sefjamil)
[email protected]

The writing is clearly on the wall: Peter Obi’s repeated defence and open sympathy for the terrorist group IPOB expose a dangerous agenda against the unity and stability of Nigeria. His posture raises serious suspicions about a calculated attempt to advance the Southeast’s secessionist ambitions and ultimately push an agenda of Igbo political dominance over the country. No true nationalist would continue to associate with or defend a group whose activities have threatened national peace, security, and coexistence.

As Nigeria gradually moves toward another electoral season, many citizens are beginning to critically re-examine the political movement built around Peter Obi and the Obidient ideology. While his supporters present him as a symbol of change, many Nigerians, especially in the North and parts of the Southwest, remain deeply worried about the kind of political tension and division that often surrounds his movement.

One of the major concerns repeatedly raised against Peter Obi is his controversial position regarding IPOB. The Indigenous People of Biafra was declared a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian military on September 15, 2017. Various federal authorities defended that action based on security concerns and separatist activities.

However, over the years, Obi turned out being too soft toward IPOB and failing to clearly distance himself from separatist sentiments. This has continued to generate suspicion among many Nigerians who believe national unity must remain non-negotiable.

Another issue that generated strong reactions during the 2023 election was Peter Obi’s repeated “take back your country” campaign slogan in churches. Across several campaign appearances especially in churches where he seem to prefer campaigning, Obi consistently told worshippers that it was time to “take back the country.” a phrase dangerously promoted resentment and emotional anger against existing institutions. Many also observed that the slogan gained massive traction particularly within emotionally charged religious gatherings and church based mobilisations during the campaign period.

For a country already struggling with ethnic and religious fault lines, many Nigerians feared that such rhetoric could deepen division instead of promoting unity.

Equally controversial was Obi’s 2023 campaign visit to Kano State. Political observers noted that his major outing in Kano was concentrated around Sabon Gari, an area historically dominated by Igbo traders and residents. A presidential candidate seeking national unity should visibly engage broader indigenous communities across Kano rather than appearing politically comfortable only within ethnic strongholds. Many northern citizens interpreted the optics as politically insensitive and reflective of identity based mobilisation.

Another worrying trend in recent times is the increasing disrespect directed at northern historical leaders such as Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa by the Igbo supporters of Obi especially those in southeast and the Kwankwasiyya members in Kano. These men remain foundational figures in Nigeria’s political history and symbols of Northern leadership and sacrifice. Sadly, social media spaces have increasingly become filled with insulting comments, revisionist attacks and mockery against these late leaders.

While political disagreement is normal in democracy, there is a dangerous culture developing where historical figures are demonised simply because of modern political bitterness. Such attacks are unhealthy for national unity and dangerous for younger generations who may grow up without respect for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

Many Nigerians are therefore beginning to ask difficult questions. Did Obi, being a dire supporter of IPOB, terrorist group, deserve to become a president of this country? Is the Obidient movement truly about national unity, or has it become a platform driven mainly by anger, online aggression and ethnic emotions? Can Nigeria survive another wave of highly emotional politics built around social media propaganda and regional grievances?

The truth is that Nigeria needs reforms, competent leadership and accountability. But Nigeria also needs stability, unity and mutual respect among all ethnic and religious groups. No political ambition should be allowed to inflame ethnic suspicion or deepen regional hostility.

As 2027 gradually approaches, Nigerians must be careful not to surrender the future of the country to emotional propaganda, social media pressure or divisive political narratives. Leadership should unite Nigeria, not polarise it further.

Sufyan writes from Abuja