Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said he and his political allies received no benefit after helping former President Muhammadu Buhari secure victory in the 2015 general election.
Kwankwaso, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Monday, said his camp played a major role in delivering nearly two million votes that contributed to Buhari’s emergence as president after 16 years of Peoples Democratic Party rule.
“I worked so hard. We brought about 1.9, almost 2 million votes. But as politicians, we are not recognised. We put our lives even on the line at that time. But unfortunately, we could not see any benefit either as individuals or the constituencies that we represented,” he said.
He did not specify what rewards or expectations were unmet by the Buhari administration.
Kwankwaso also reviewed Nigeria’s political leadership since 1999, saying each administration had its own shortcomings while arguing that the country was due for a new direction.
He said former President Olusegun Obasanjo did his best, noted that Umaru Yar’Adua’s tenure was affected by ill health, and described Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency as complicated by a controversial agreement tied to a single term.
“Everybody knows there are issues with this administration again,” he said, referring to President Bola Tinubu’s government.
According to him, growing dissatisfaction among citizens was driving calls for political change across different levels.
Kwankwaso added that support for the Nigeria Democratic Congress had increased since he and Peter Obi joined the party on May 3, claiming it had triggered growing public interest and grassroots mobilisation.
“Since we decided to join NDC, Nigerians have decided to come and join us. People are opening offices everywhere across the world. So we are happy about that,” he said.
He also stressed that leadership quality mattered more than regional affiliation, using it to support his argument for zoning the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
“Those of us in the political trenches would tell you that it is not only the man from your end that would make the country move forward.
“What is key is to have quality leadership, people who are enthusiastic, determined and committed to give the country the leadership it deserves,” he said.
