Former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso told former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar to “wait and see” how the 2024 general election unfolds, after Atiku suggested Kwankwaso’s influence is limited to Kano. Kwankwaso made the comments on Monday during an interview with Arise Television’s Prime Time programme.
When asked about Atiku’s remark that Kwankwaso’s popularity does not extend beyond his home state, the former governor responded that the forthcoming election will settle any doubts. “Let’s wait and see the election. I have no issue with that, and I think we have gone past that level now,” Kwankwaso said. He added that his political operations are currently under the banner of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), while the opposition is aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), wishing them “well.”
Kwankwaso dismissed speculation that the Kano vote might be split between rival factions. “Anyone who is asking whether our votes will split in Kano is not patient,” he observed. “Let’s wait for the election and see whether our votes are split in Kano or not.”
The exchange comes as political parties across Nigeria gear up for the presidential and legislative polls scheduled for early 2024. Kano, Nigeria’s most populous state, has traditionally been a battleground for power‑brokers from both the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition People’s Democratic Party. Kwankwaso’s statement underscores the continued relevance of regional leaders in shaping voter sentiment ahead of the national vote.
Analysts note that Kwankwaso’s alignment with the NDC – a relatively new party – could affect the distribution of votes in northern Nigeria, where he retains a substantial personal following. At the same time, Atiku’s comments signal an attempt to gauge the electoral impact of former governors who have broken away from the major parties.
As the election date approaches, both Kwankwaso and Atiku are likely to monitor the unfolding political dynamics closely, with Kano’s electorate poised to play a decisive role in determining the balance of power at the national level. The outcome will reveal whether Kwankwaso’s influence remains confined to his home state or extends further across the Nigerian political landscape.
