APC Chieftain Accuses Kwankwaso of Inciting Regionalism Ahead of 2027 Elections

Abuja, Nigeria - A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticized Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), accusing him of deliberately stirring up regional tensions. Hon. Yekini Nabena, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, issued a statement condemning Kwankwaso’s recent remarks concerning infrastructure development under President Bola Tinubu's administration.

Kwankwaso had publicly stated that the current federal government is prioritizing infrastructure projects in the South while neglecting the North. He cited the allegedly poor condition of roads in the North compared to the South as evidence of this disparity. Nabena, however, refuted these claims, arguing that Kwankwaso's statements are designed to undermine the South's opportunity to complete an eight-year term in office.

Nabena Defends Southern Presidency

“No ethnic, religious, or regional sentiment played up by Kwankwaso can hold water,” Nabena asserted in his statement released on Tuesday. “Eight years of a Southerner in the seat of power is sacrosanct.” He challenged Kwankwaso to conduct an assessment of road conditions in the South-South region and compare them to those in the North, suggesting that the reality on the ground contradicts Kwankwaso's assertions.

Nabena further questioned the logic behind Kwankwaso's claims, asking, "Is the North inferior or superior to the South after eight years at the helm of Nigeria's affairs? One would also wonder which Northern resource was used to develop the South – is it the gold, rice, or groundnut pyramid?"

Accusations of Political Maneuvering

The APC chieftain directly accused Kwankwaso of engaging in political maneuvering with an eye on the 2027 presidential elections. According to Nabena, Kwankwaso is attempting to incite anti-Southern sentiment in the North to bolster his own political prospects. "He is working hard to incite the North against the Southern presidency, but that has failed woefully because the South must complete the 8 years for fairness and equity," Nabena stated.

He dismissed the notion that votes from Kano State, a traditional stronghold for Kwankwaso, could be used to intimidate political rivals. “The era of playing religious or ethnic cards is fast becoming unfashionable. We all know the game. You can't intimidate anybody with Kano votes anymore," he declared.

Context and Analysis

The exchange between Nabena and Kwankwaso highlights the persistent regional tensions that often surface in Nigerian politics, particularly in the lead-up to elections. Historically, Nigeria has grappled with issues of resource allocation and infrastructure development, with accusations of regional bias being a recurring theme. The current political climate is further complicated by the ongoing debate about power rotation between the North and South.

Expert Perspective

Dr. Adebayo Williams, a political analyst at the University of Lagos, commented on the situation, stating, "These kinds of exchanges are unfortunately common in Nigerian politics. They often reflect deeper anxieties about power sharing and resource distribution. While Kwankwaso's statements may resonate with some in the North, it's crucial to examine the factual basis of his claims and avoid generalizations that can exacerbate regional divisions. The focus should be on equitable development policies that benefit all Nigerians, regardless of their region."

Current Political Landscape

Kwankwaso’s NNPP made a significant impact in the 2023 general elections, particularly in Kano State. His continued political relevance makes him a key player in the upcoming 2027 elections. The APC, seeking to maintain its hold on power, views Kwankwaso's activities with caution. The debate over infrastructure development and regional equity is likely to remain a central theme in Nigerian politics as the next election cycle approaches.

The NNPP has previously dismissed rumors of Kwankwaso defecting to the APC, reaffirming his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.