Kwankwasiyya will outlive defectors – Spokesperson

Dr. Habibu Saleh Mohammed, spokesperson for the Kwankwasiyya movement and the NDC candidate for the Fagge State Assembly constituency in Kano State, spoke in an interview about his movement's resilience and future prospects. Despite some defections, he maintains that Kwankwasiyya is not dependent on its individual members. Instead, it is the movement itself that empowers its supporters.

The movement has shown remarkable strength over the years, securing over a million votes in Kano in the 2023 election, with more than 200,000 votes being invalid. Despite facing challenges such as lack of finances, intimidation, security threats, and institutional bias, the people continued to support Kwankwasiyya. The movement's past achievements, particularly under Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have built a legacy of education investment and healthcare improvement, which continues to inspire confidence in the current generation.

Kwankwaso's refusal to join the APC, despite overtures, was due to ideological differences. He believed that the APC did not prioritize people-centered governance, unlike Kwankwasiyya, which champions the rights and aspirations of the common man. This ideological compatibility has allowed Kwankwasiyya to forge strategic alliances, such as with Peter Obi of the NDC, which has expanded Kwankwaso's reach to new constituencies, particularly in the South-East.

Despite some key figures distancing themselves from Kwankwasiyya, claiming they were constrained by its discipline, Mohammed insists that such defections do not weaken the movement. He emphasizes that Kwankwasiyya has always rebounded stronger after such losses, with new leaders rising to take their place. Looking ahead to 2027, he is confident that Kwankwasiyya can not only replicate the success of their 2023 performance in Kano but also expand its influence beyond the region.

The movement is no longer confined to Kano but has expanded to other parts of the country, partnering with various movements, including the Obidient movement.