Kwankwaso’s Paranoia: A Divisive Narrative Against Lagos and the North
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), seems increasingly consumed by a sense of political paranoia, particularly regarding Lagos State’s supposed influence over the northern region. At a recent convocation ceremony at Skyline University in Kano, Kwankwaso voiced strong concerns about what he perceives as a concerted effort by Lagos—under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu—to “colonize” the North.
Kwankwaso’s comments were pointed: “Today, we can clearly see significant efforts from the Lagos axis to dominate this part of the country. Lagos won’t even allow us to choose our Emir. They want to impose their own Emir on Kano. We are aware that Lagos is pushing hard to redirect taxes from Kano and other northern states to Lagos. Even the phones we register in Kano—efforts are underway to ensure the tax revenue goes to Lagos. Our sons and daughters who own businesses and factories in the North, and even banks, are being forced to relocate their headquarters to Lagos because that’s where the taxes are being funneled. Lagos, today, seems to believe they are the center of Nigeria, interfering in the affairs of other states. We will not tolerate this in Kano.”
While Kwankwaso’s rhetoric may resonate with some, his accusations appear increasingly unfounded and politically charged. In his remarks, he frequently linked Lagos’s supposed overreach to the influence of President Tinubu, suggesting that the city—and by extension, the president—was attempting to monopolize power and resources at the North’s expense. His criticisms seem to be particularly focused on the contentious tax proposals before the National Assembly and the ongoing power struggle over the Kano emirship.
Kwankwaso, who ran for president in 2023, is undoubtedly entitled to express his political ambitions and grievances. However, his broad, unsubstantiated claims about Lagos’s financial manipulation and its alleged imposition of political figures undermine his credibility. Without clear evidence or detailed financial analysis to support his claims about the tax bills, Kwankwaso risks alienating his audience. Moreover, his insinuations of a grand political conspiracy led by Lagos or Tinubu lack the substance necessary for serious political discourse.
If Kwankwaso genuinely hopes to lead and unite Nigeria, his approach needs more than just inflammatory rhetoric. At some point, a politician must move beyond baseless paranoia and offer solutions that resonate with reality. His words, rather than elevating his standing, may serve only to deepen divisions and raise doubts about his ability to lead responsibly.
