Former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso told ARISE News on Monday that his own daughter urged him to join former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s campaign during the 2023 general elections. Kwankwaso used the anecdote to illustrate a broader shift he perceives among Nigeria’s younger voters, who he says are moving away from ethnic and religious considerations and increasingly prioritising leadership competence and good governance.
Speaking from Abuja, Kwankwaso said that the appeal of Peter Obi was not limited to his political platform but resonated with a new generation that “looks for the right leadership for this country.” He recalled that, even within his household, his daughter encouraged him to work with Obi, underscoring how the political preferences of young Nigerians differ from those of their parents.
The former governor highlighted what he described as a generational disconnect: “You have leaders who hardly have any contact with the young men and women.” According to Kwankwaso, many politicians continue to frame elections in terms of ethnicity and religion, a strategy that no longer matches the priorities of a youth‑driven electorate that is more attuned to social media and online discourse.
Kwankwaso’s comments come amid growing evidence that Nigeria’s demographic dividend is influencing political calculations. Surveys conducted after the 2023 elections showed that a significant proportion of voters under 35 placed “accountability,” “economic development” and “security” above communal identities when deciding whom to support. Analysts note that the surge in internet penetration and the proliferation of digital platforms have amplified youth voices, allowing them to organise, share information and challenge traditional patronage networks.
However, Kwankwaso warned that many political elites have been slow to adapt. He argued that the failure to engage meaningfully with young Nigerians risks further alienating a cohort that could shape future election outcomes. “People are talking of religion. Some people are talking of ethnicity, but the younger people are looking for credible leadership capable of addressing the country’s challenges,” he said.
The former governor’s remarks also reflect a broader narrative about the 2023 election, in which the Labour Party’s Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, captured a sizable share of the youth vote, especially in the South‑East and South‑West zones. While Obi ultimately finished third, his campaign highlighted the growing potency of a generation that is less willing to accept identity‑based politics.
Kwankwaso, who served as Kano State governor from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2015, has previously expressed openness to cross‑party collaborations that could bridge ethnic and regional divides. His acknowledgment of his daughter’s influence signals a personal acknowledgement of the changing political climate and may foreshadow attempts by established politicians to court younger voters ahead of the next electoral cycle.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the pressure on political parties to articulate policies that resonate with a digitally connected youth demographic is likely to intensify. Kwankwaso’s interview underscores a pivotal moment: the extent to which senior leaders can recalibrate their outreach and messaging could determine whether they retain relevance in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
