The Kwankwasiyya Movement, has lambasted the spokesperson of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa over his recent remarks on their leader, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, reminding Bature that he lacks the standing, authority and proximity to speak on matters concerning the political decisions, alliances or consultations of the movement.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the spokesperson of the Movement, Dr Habibu Sale Mohammed said their attention was drawn to the reckless, contradictory and politically desperate comments by the Director General, Media and Publicity to the Kano State Government, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, during his appearance on Arise TV.
He said, “Ordinarily, such confused political speculation would not deserve a response, but considering the deliberate attempt to mislead the public and distort the political realities in Kano and Nigeria, it has become necessary to set the record straight.
“First, it is both shocking and embarrassing that a government spokesperson could go on national television to openly promote rumours, assumptions and fabricated political gossip as official communication. One moment, he claims Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is working for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the next moment, he says Kwankwaso has thrown the opposition into disarray. These contradictions clearly expose the confusion within their camp.”
He argued that if Kwankwaso is politically irrelevant as they want Nigerians to believe, why then is the entire machinery of government obsessed with his movements, meetings and political decisions on a daily basis?
“The truth is simple: the growing acceptance of the Kwankwasiyya Movement across Nigeria has unsettled many political actors who now see Sen. Kwankwaso as one of the most strategic and influential political leaders in the country today.
“It is also important to remind the public that Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa was never at any point an official spokesperson of the New Nigeria Peoples Party or the Kwankwasiyya Movement. He merely served as media aide and spokesperson to Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf during his political journey in both the Peoples Democratic Party and later the NNPP.”
Therefore, it is dishonest and misleading for him to present himself as someone with knowledge of internal consultations, strategic discussions or high-level political negotiations involving Sen. Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya leadership.
He said People should also recall that “this same false narrative was earlier circulated through sections of the local media using the name of Ibrahim Shekarau as the supposed author. However, Malam Shekarau publicly distanced himself from the publication and denied any involvement with such claims.
“This clearly points to a deliberate and coordinated attempt to manufacture confusion, spread propaganda and create imaginary divisions within the opposition ahead of 2027.
“It is unfortunate that Sunusi Bature attempted to drag the person of Peter Obi into divisive ethnic and regional narratives. Nigeria has gone beyond the politics of hate, intolerance and manufactured fear. Any attempt to label political cooperation between patriotic Nigerians from different regions as “pro-Biafra” is irresponsible, dangerous and unacceptable in a modern democracy.
“The Kwankwasiyya Movement believes strongly in national unity, social justice, inclusion and issue-based politics. We will never subscribe to politics built on ethnic suspicion, regional blackmail or religious manipulation.
“We also reject the childish attempt to create imaginary hostility between Sen. Kwankwaso and Peter Obi. Political leaders may hold different opinions on national issues, but mature democracies are built on dialogue, consultation and cooperation in pursuit of national development. Only insecure politicians are afraid of alliances and consensus building.
“On the issue of the crowd that welcomed Sen. Kwankwaso, Nigerians do not need propaganda to confirm political realities. The overwhelming public support witnessed in Kano was visible to the entire world. No amount of media distortion can erase what millions watched physically and across multiple media platforms.
“Ironically, those questioning crowd figures are the same individuals who once rented crowds during elections and used state resources to sustain artificial popularity. The Kwankwasiyya Movement remains one of the few organic political movements in Nigeria built on ideology, sacrifice, loyalty and direct connection with the people.
“Furthermore, it is extremely irresponsible for a government official to claim that Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf approached President Tinubu for defection with Sen. Kwankwaso’s consent, while at the same time portraying Kwankwaso as politically confused. Such statements only expose internal contradictions and growing mistrust within their own ranks.
“If indeed there are discussions about political defection, the Kano people deserve honesty and transparency instead of media trial, gossip and emotional blackmail.
“The people of Kano are politically sophisticated and cannot be deceived by desperate narratives designed to create division within the Kwankwasiyya family.
“Let it be known clearly that the Kwankwasiyya Movement remains focused, united and committed to the struggle for a better Kano and a better Nigeria. No amount of propaganda, media attacks or sponsored narratives can weaken a movement built on the trust and sacrifices of the masses.
“We advise Sunusi Bature and others engaging in political panic to focus more on governance and less on attacking perceived political opponents on television.
“History has consistently shown that no amount of propaganda can defeat a movement genuinely rooted in the people.”
Bature’s remarks on Kwankwaso reveals confused, frightened govt – Kwankwasiyya Movement
