Former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has issued a strong warning against what he describes as attempts by “Lagos axis” to dominate Kano’s affairs.
According to the report from the Daily Post, the Kwankwasiyya Movement leader expressed deep concerns over alleged external interference in Kano’s traditional institutions and governance.
“Today, we can see very clearly that there are significant efforts from the Lagos axis to colonise this part of the country,” Kwankwaso stated emphatically. “Lagos wouldn’t allow us to choose even our Emir; instead, they want to impose their own Emir on Kano.”
The NNPP chieftain further criticized what he perceived as Lagos’ overbearing influence on national affairs. “Lagos today feel they only are Nigeria, interfering in other states’ affairs,” he declared, before adding firmly: “We will not tolerate such actions here in Kano.”
These strong statements from the former governor highlight growing tensions between regional power centers in Nigeria, particularly regarding the autonomy of traditional institutions. The controversy appears to center on the selection process for Kano’s traditional leadership, with Kwankwaso suggesting attempts at external influence in what is traditionally a local matter.
His remarks indicate a deepening rift between political forces in Lagos and Kano, two of Nigeria’s most influential states, potentially setting the stage for further political confrontations over regional autonomy and traditional governance structures.
