By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, said on Monday that he and his supporters received no political benefits after helping former President Muhammadu Buhari win the 2015 election. Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Kwankwaso explained that the experience pushed him toward supporting political change ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kwankwaso Speaks On Buhari’s 2015 Victory
Kwankwaso said he worked tirelessly to help Buhari defeat the Peoples Democratic Party after 16 years in power.
According to him, his political structure delivered nearly two million votes during the 2015 presidential election.
“I worked so hard. We brought about 1.9, almost 2 million votes,” he said.
However, he claimed that neither he nor his supporters benefited from their sacrifices.
“We put our lives even on the line at that time. But unfortunately, we could not see any benefit,” he added.
Still, Kwankwaso did not explain the specific rewards he expected from the Buhari administration.
Why Kwankwaso Joined The NDC
Kwankwaso linked his political decision to what he described as years of failed leadership in Nigeria.
He said the challenges under different administrations created room for a new political movement.
The former governor also revealed that many Nigerians had joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress since he and Peter Obi formally joined the party on May 3.
“People are opening offices everywhere across the world,” he said.
Furthermore, he noted that the growing support reflected public demand for change at the grassroots level.
Kwankwaso Backs Southern Presidency
Kwankwaso also defended zoning the NDC’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
According to him, competence matters more than regional identity in leadership.
“Those of us in the political trenches would tell you that it is not only the man from your end that would make the country move forward,” he said.
He stressed that Nigeria needed committed leaders who could improve governance and unite the country.
Kwankwaso Reviews Nigerian Presidents Since 1999
Kwankwaso reviewed past administrations while explaining his position on national politics.
He said former President Olusegun Obasanjo did his best during his tenure.
He also stated that late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua struggled with health challenges while in office.
In addition, he said former President Goodluck Jonathan faced political complications linked to an alleged one-term agreement.
Speaking about the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kwankwaso said Nigerians were again facing serious concerns.
“Everybody knows there are issues with this administration again,” he said.
