The spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Habibu Mohammed, has dismissed reports suggesting that the movement’s leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is secretly aligning with President Bola Tinubu or planning to defect to the APC.
Instead, he stated that the movement is politically leaning toward an alliance with Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing the relationship between both camps as increasingly strong since the 2023 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Friday, Mohammed rejected claims from the Kano State Government spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, that Kwankwaso’s political moves were inconsistent or confused. He insisted that Kwankwaso has a long record of independent and strategic political decisions, including his departure from the PDP to the NNPP ahead of the 2023 elections.
He also dismissed speculation of a secret agreement with President Tinubu, acknowledging only that both leaders share a long-standing political relationship dating back to their time in the National Assembly and previous political engagements. According to him, Kwankwaso has only visited the Presidential Villa once under the current administration and no defection talks took place.
Mohammed further explained that while Kwankwaso was once invited by President Tinubu to join his administration, the offer was declined, and no further political arrangements were made.
On the movement’s political direction, he stressed that the Kwankwasiyya Movement would not align with the APC, citing ideological differences and criticism of the ruling party’s governance style, particularly in Kano State.
He, however, confirmed growing alignment with Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement, stating that both groups have found common ground in recent years. He added that although attempts were made for Kwankwaso and Obi to form an alliance before the 2023 elections, timing and political circumstances prevented it from materialising.
Mohammed also dismissed claims that Peter Obi lacks political influence in Kano, insisting that the Labour Party candidate remains widely recognized and now enjoys stronger political positioning in the state through his alignment with the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
