In a recent statement on his verified X account, Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, expressed admiration for Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso while contesting the senator’s claim of political superiority over Peter Obi.
Ahmad, who stated he has “never been a Kwankwasiyya loyalist,” acknowledged Kwankwaso as one of Nigeria’s “progressive political figures” but disagreed with his recent assertions made during an interview in Kano.
“Even though I have never been a Kwankwasiyya loyalist, I have always admired and respected Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso,” Ahmad said. “However, I do not agree with his recent statement where he claimed to be politically bigger than Peter Obi.”
Referring to the results of the 2023 presidential election, Ahmad highlighted the disparity in electoral support between the two politicians.
“Peter Obi garnered 6,101,533 votes and led in 11 states, demonstrating significant national support,” he noted, while contrasting that Senator Kwankwaso secured only 1,496,687 votes and led in just one state—Kano.
“These numbers clearly suggest that, at least in the context of the 2023 election, Peter Obi has significantly more political influence across the country,” Ahmad asserted. “So, Peter Obi is bigger than Rabiu Kwankwaso, politically.”
Additionally, Ahmad criticized the behavior of Kwankwasiyya loyalists, stating, “Whenever you disagree with Kwankwasiya loyalists, they always resort to insults and name-calling.”
He urged them to reflect on how such behavior could impede Kwankwaso’s political ambitions.
“They should understand that if they genuinely want Sen. Kwankwaso to become President, such behavior will not work in his favor, as it worked against Peter Obi.”
