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| Kwankwaso |
A former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has revealed that he and his political supporters gained nothing after mobilising nearly two million votes that helped former President Muhammadu Buhari secure victory in the 2015 presidential election.
Kwankwaso said the experience contributed to his decision to seek a new political direction, describing the period as one marked by sacrifice without reward.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, the former governor recounted his role in the election that ended the Peoples Democratic Party’s 16-year hold on power at the federal level.
“I worked so hard. We brought about 1.9, almost two 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.
Kwankwaso, however, did not specify the benefits he expected from the Buhari administration or areas where he believed the government failed him and his supporters.
The former governor also reviewed the performances of successive administrations since 1999, saying each government faced different challenges that affected national progress.
According to him, former President Olusegun Obasanjo made efforts during his tenure, while the late President Umaru Yar’Adua battled serious health challenges in office.
He added that former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was affected by controversies surrounding an alleged agreement for him to serve only one term.
Commenting on the current administration, Kwankwaso said Nigerians were increasingly demanding change.
“Everybody knows there are issues with this administration again,” he stated.
“And therefore, people are determined at grassroots level, and even at the level we are operating now, that there should be some level of changes,” he added.
Kwankwaso further said the growing dissatisfaction with past administrations had fuelled support for the Nigeria Democratic Congress since he and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, joined the party on May 3.
“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.
The former governor also maintained that leadership quality, rather than regional sentiment, should determine who leads the country.
He said his political experience had convinced him that having a president from one’s region did not automatically translate into good governance.
“What is key is to have quality leadership, people who are enthusiastic, determined and committed to give the country the leadership it deserves,” Kwankwaso added.
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