RismadarVoice Reporters
May 12, 2026
Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has stated that he and his political supporters received no benefits after contributing significantly to the victory of former President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential election.
Kwankwaso made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, while reflecting on his political journey and the circumstances that led him to seek a new political direction.
According to him, his political structure delivered nearly two million votes in support of Buhari during the election that ended the 16-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party at the federal level.
“I worked so hard and garnered approximately 1.9 million votesut 1.9, almost two million votes. We even put our lives on the line at that time, but unfortunately, we did not see any benefit either as individuals or the constituencies we represented,” he said.
The former governor, however, did not specify what form of reward or recognition he expected from the Buhari administration.
Kwankwaso also reviewed Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, assessing the performance of successive administrations.
He acknowledged the efforts of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, while noting that the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua faced major health challenges during his tenure.
On the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Kwankwaso said it was affected by controversies surrounding an alleged agreement for Jonathan to serve only one term.
Commenting on the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former governor said Nigerians were increasingly demanding political change.
“Everybody knows there are issues with this administration again,” he stated, adding that many citizens at the grassroots level believe the country needs a new direction.
Kwankwaso said the growing dissatisfaction among Nigerians has contributed to increasing support for the Nigeria Democratic Congress following his formal alliance with former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on May 3.
According to him, the movement has continued to attract supporters across the country and abroad, with party offices reportedly springing up in several locations.
He further argued that effective leadership is more important than regional considerations in governance, noting that having a president from one’s region does not automatically guarantee national progress.
Kwankwaso said this belief informed his support for zoning the Nigeria Democratic Congress’s 2027 presidential ticket to the southern part of the country.
“What is important is quality leadership, people who are committed and determined to move the country forward,” he added.
