Kwankwasiyya To Atiku: Only Obi, Kwankwaso Command Organic Support

The Kwankwasiyya movement has pushed back against recent comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, rejecting suggestions that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s political influence in Kano is waning.

The response comes amid intensifying competition for the presidential ticket of the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking on Trust TV, the movement’s spokesperson, Hon. Habib Mailemo, dismissed Atiku’s assertions and argued that only Peter Obi and Kwankwaso enjoy what he described as “organic” nationwide support.

“It is only Peter Obi and my principal, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, that have organic followers that are not induced by anything. Their aspirations align with the belief in their competence and proven track records, and the masses identify with them,” he said.

Mailemo maintained that the support base of both men is driven by conviction rather than political inducement or reliance on entrenched party structures.

He added that Kwankwaso’s participation in coalition talks is focused on national interest rather than personal ambition.

“My principal has made it very clear that we are going into the coalition simply because his sole intention is to contribute to rescuing Nigeria,” he said.

Responding to claims about northern political strength, Mailemo acknowledged Atiku’s longstanding presence but argued that his past electoral success was largely tied to party machinery.

“It is true that Atiku has contested multiple times, particularly under the PDP where he had the backing of governors and a strong structure. But he cannot solely attribute the votes he garnered to personal popularity, given the elite consensus and broad political support within that fold at the time,” he said.

He contrasted this with Obi and Kwankwaso, whom he said built their political momentum independently.

“I am giving you a different scenario where Peter Obi and Kwankwaso stood on their own and became synonymous with the parties they joined, largely because of their personal popularity. They made significant impact in elections where they were not initially considered strong contenders,” he noted.

According to him, a fair comparison would require Atiku to replicate such a trajectory.

“If he had contested under a platform without an established structure and built it into a formidable force as they did, then we could properly assess the strength of his personal appeal,” he added.

Mailemo also cited the example of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to highlight the role of party structures in electoral success.

“Yar’Adua may not have been the most popular at the time, but with a strong party structure and broad-based support, he emerged president. Anyone with such backing is likely to secure substantial votes,” he said.

On concerns that such remarks could deepen divisions within the opposition, he stressed the need for honest internal assessment among coalition leaders.

“The expectation is that key figures within the coalition, including Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso, should come together, understand themselves, and conduct a proper analysis of their strengths. That is the only way they can arrive at a credible position to challenge the ruling government and offer Nigerians a viable alternative.”

The rebuttal follows Atiku’s recent remarks suggesting shifting political dynamics in Kano, traditionally seen as Kwankwaso’s stronghold.

“Well, the absence of it may affect, but even in his own case, you can see how Kano is now split between himself and his former governor,” Atiku said.

Atiku has also positioned himself as a unifying figure within the emerging coalition, pledging to support any consensus candidate.

“Yes, I will step aside for any winner,” he said, adding when asked about Obi: “Of course, if he is a contender, why not? What is difficult there? It is democracy.”