Kebbi military widows, Nigerian Legion disagree over new leadership

The Military Widows Association of Nigeria (MIWA) in Kebbi State is currently embroiled in a leadership dispute following the election of a new executive. Former State Coordinator Hajiya Asma’u Kanoma has rejected the new leadership, claiming that the Nigerian Legion dissolved the previous executive and held an election without proper authority.

However, the Kebbi State Council of the Nigerian Legion maintains that the election was conducted legally and under their supervision. State Council Chairman Alhaji Ahmed Shehu-Matawalle stated that the national leadership of the Legion summoned MIWA and Legion executives from all states to Abuja to discuss restructuring. According to Shehu-Matawalle, the Kebbi election took place on June 18, 2026, with Hajiya Maryam Garba emerging as the new State Coordinator, alongside other newly elected officials.

The Nigerian Legion chairman emphasized that there was no imposition of leadership, urging all parties to accept the election results. Kanoma, however, maintains that MIWA is an independent association and that the Nigerian Legion lacks the authority to dissolve their executive or conduct elections. The widows' association has appealed to the Kebbi State Government and relevant authorities to intervene in the dispute.