A chieftain of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Alhaji Aminu Ringim has said former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is the only politician that can replace late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, Ringim listed Kwankwaso’s efforts on human and infrastructure development when he was Kano governor as the basis for his position.
He placed Kwankwaso on the same level with late northern leaders such as Sir Ahmadu Bello and Alhaji Aminu Kano who fought for the underprivileged.
“It’s a difficult shoe to wear, no doubt, but if there’s anyone in contemporary Nigerian politics who embodies the trust, humility and mass appeal that Buhari represented, particularly among the talakawas, it is Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
“Over the years, Kwankwaso has shown himself to be a deeply grassroots politician. He walks among the people, speaks their language, and understands their yearnings. His commitment to education, youth empowerment and social justice mirrors the same northern populist tradition that Buhari carried on,” Ringim noted.
He further explained that Kwankwaso does not come across as an elitist, but remains down-to-earth, accessible and passionate about lifting the poor.
The NNPP chieftain maintained that the former Kano State governor is the closest living politician who exemplifies Aminu Kano’s philosophy of egalitarianism and service to the grassroots people.
“From the Kwankwasiyya red cap, which is more than just a symbol, to the emphasis on education, vocational training and discipline, these are Aminu Kano’s tools repurposed for the 21st century.
“And don’t forget, both men rose from Kano’s political soil and both dared to challenge the status quo. Kwankwaso, like Aminu Kano, believes in breaking the class barrier and creating opportunities for the children of the poor to rise.”
He stressed that Kwankwaso does not just speak about reform but implemented it as Kano State governor and as Minister of Defence.
Ringim further noted that Kwankwaso had built a political structure beyond Kano and has loyal supporters in Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi states and even far into the North-Central.
“What makes him unique is that his appeal cuts across religion, ethnicity, and even class. He’s not just a northern champion, he’s a Nigerian statesman in the making,” he said.
Just like Ahmadu Bello, Ringim said Kwankwaso was seen as the voice of the North, adding that Tafawa Balewa was respected for his simplicity and diplomacy, as such Kwankwaso stands as a bridge between the old North and a modern progressive future.
He dismissed those limiting Kwankwaso to regional or state politics, describing such notion as a narrow reading of his political reach.
Ringim noted that Kwankwaso’s performance in the 2023 presidential election, where he won in multiple states despite having a relatively new party structure.
On traits that make Kwankwaso fit to be considered among northern political giants like Sardauna and Buhari, Ringim highlighted Kwankwaso’s courage, his strategic foresight and investment in human capital.
He also cited his free education policy, scholarship schemes, overseas training programmes which he noted were implemented with the future in mind.
Like Sardauna, Ringim said the former Kano governor believes in educating the North as the key to liberation, emphasising also that like Buhari, he stands firm on discipline and accountability.
“But unlike many in his generation, Kwankwaso is also a master of political mobilisation. He built a movement, not just a party. That alone sets him apart.”
He contended that with the clean Bill of health given Kwankwaso by the courts over his status as the leader of the NNPP, he is now in good stead to take another shot at the presidency in the 2027 poll.
Ringim who hinted that he may take another shot at the governorship of Jigawa in the 2027 poll, acknowledged that there are overtures to woo Kwankwaso to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Certainly. There are backchannel talks everywhere. Everyone knows Kwankwaso is a political asset. Whether as a potential ally or a formidable opponent, you can’t ignore him.
“His value has increased tremendously. Even within the APC, there are voices that want him back — not just because of votes, but because he brings a people-oriented ideology that many think is missing,” he said.
“If APC is truly interested in broad-based development and northern consolidation, Kwankwaso is the kind of politician they must consider seriously,” Ringim said.
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