Musa Kwankwaso, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, has launched a scathing attack on two prominent critics of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and Buba Galadima, dismissing their criticisms as stemming from frustration and irrelevance. Kwankwaso argues that both individuals lack the moral standing to critique the current government, alleging that their past actions have demonstrated a lack of genuine concern for the North’s welfare. He further emphasizes the perceived positive impact of President Tinubu’s policies on the region, particularly in infrastructure development and the reduction of commodity prices, suggesting that these achievements will ensure Tinubu’s reelection in 2027, regardless of the opposition from figures like Baba-Ahmed and Galadima.
Kwankwaso’s central argument revolves around the alleged hypocrisy of Baba-Ahmed and Galadima. He accuses Baba-Ahmed, a former political advisor to Vice President Kashim Shettima, of having “cheated the North” during his long tenure in government, claiming that Baba-Ahmed has nothing tangible to show for his time in office despite now presenting himself as a defender of the region. Similarly, Kwankwaso characterizes Galadima as a political opportunist, a “parasite” who has latched onto various political figures throughout his career without making any substantial contributions himself. He cites Galadima’s associations with figures like General Buhari and Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, suggesting that these leaders only achieved electoral success when Galadima distanced himself from them. This portrayal of Baba-Ahmed and Galadima as self-serving and ineffective is meant to undermine their criticisms of the Tinubu administration.
Furthermore, Kwankwaso contrasts his own contributions to the North with those of Galadima, highlighting his work in the maritime industry and emphasizing the tangible benefits he has brought to the region. He accuses Galadima of failing to act on crucial development projects, such as river dredging, which could have spurred economic growth in the North. This comparison serves to bolster Kwankwaso’s argument that he, unlike Baba-Ahmed and Galadima, possesses a genuine commitment to the region’s progress and therefore has a more credible perspective on the Tinubu administration’s performance.
A significant portion of Kwankwaso’s statement is dedicated to extolling the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration, particularly in the North. He points to infrastructure projects like the Kano-Abuja road and the Badagry to Kebbi road network as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to developing the region. He also credits the administration with reducing the prices of food and essential commodities, attributing this success to policies like granting duty-free importation of essential goods to major businesses and promoting the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel source. Kwankwaso argues that these positive developments resonate with the people of the North and will translate into strong support for Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Kwankwaso’s confidence in Tinubu’s reelection prospects is further reinforced by his belief that northerners will ultimately disregard the criticisms of figures like Baba-Ahmed, Galadima, and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami. He contends that these individuals lack credibility within the region due to their perceived lack of contributions to its development. By emphasizing the tangible benefits delivered by the Tinubu administration, Kwankwaso aims to portray the criticisms of these figures as politically motivated and detached from the reality on the ground. He predicts a “landslide victory” for Tinubu in the North, suggesting that the president’s “transformative agenda” has garnered widespread support.
In essence, Kwankwaso’s statement serves as a strong defense of the Tinubu administration and a preemptive rebuttal of potential criticisms leading up to the 2027 elections. By discrediting key opposition figures and highlighting the perceived successes of the current government, he seeks to solidify support for Tinubu within the North and portray his reelection as a foregone conclusion. He frames the criticisms of Baba-Ahmed and Galadima as stemming from personal frustration and a lack of genuine concern for the region, while simultaneously painting Tinubu as a proactive leader delivering tangible improvements to the lives of northerners. This strategic positioning aims to bolster Tinubu’s image and neutralize any potential negative impact from the opposition’s rhetoric.
