…How the emergence of the cheapest on the throne tells more about the fast-eroding empire.
By Shariff Aminu Ahlan
Politics is indeed a funny and dirty game, as it gives room for the creation of fake empires managed and executed with selfish interests, manipulation, cult-like initiation, desperate implementation of draconian policies, and outright extortion. This is often followed by the creation of fear in the minds of manipulated and misguided disciples who are brainwashed into following orders with total submission and dedication. Such individuals gain the chance and opportunity through the democratic process.
And the man, Kwankwaso, has undoubtedly enjoyed such rare privileges through the establishment of his deadly fraternity disguised as a political bloc. His followers give him rare respect and absolute submission to his whims and caprices. His words are treated as law, and disputing him is considered sacrilegious — something no one dares to tolerate. He is now the supreme ruler of the bloc called Kwankwasiyya and the leader of the NDC, which has become one of the major opposition forces expected to challenge the ruling APC in the coming election.
As people continued watching and waiting for those who would represent the party in various elective positions ahead of the titanic battle in 2027, many were shocked when the names of candidates began to emerge from the once-dominant bloc. Most of those presented were merely diehard loyalists who secured tickets not based on merit, but simply because “Kano said so,” making their candidacies unquestioned and unchallenged. The bickering, desperation, and disappointment among others remained muted and barely mentioned. The supreme ruler had spoken, and so it became final.
As the political rumbling continued, anticipation grew higher and expectations skyrocketed over who the supreme leader of the blindfolded and brainwashed movement would eventually present as the candidate to challenge Abba Kabir Yusuf. Then, out of the blue and contrary to expectations, his followers erupted in celebration — ironically, APC members celebrated even louder and wilder.
Comrade Gwargo, a man publicly embarrassed and politically disgraced by massive corruption allegations, suddenly emerged. When he realized the court was about to convict him, he hurriedly resigned from his position as Deputy Governor in an attempt to save whatever remained of his political integrity — though, in reality, little was left to save.
When the whole world expected the highly boastful and egocentric leader to present a candidate with integrity, competence, a solid track record, massive followership, humanistic tendencies, and political strength capable of posing a serious challenge, the opposite happened. Sadly and ironically for the devoted fraternity, the candidate they presented has proven to be empty. And there is no need to ask why this embarrassing error occurred — it is simply because the entire Kwankwasiyya movement has become empty, with no formidable candidate left to present. What a pity!
The presentation of Abdulsalam as the governorship candidate for the NDC has clearly paved the way for His Excellency to enjoy an easy ride to victory. It has exposed the House of Kwankwasiyya as shallow and empty, incapable of presenting any formidable challenger. It also clearly shows that the defection of Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf has weakened and depleted the once-powerful bloc, as many political heavyweights have now joined the Governor’s camp, leaving the Kwankwasiyya structure shallow and politically irrelevant.
The time for the anticipated crack and collapse of the so-called fraternity is indeed imminent, and that is good news worthy of massive celebration. Abba Kabir Yusuf’s victory is undoubtedly imminent. The opposition candidate is politically weak, with little or no track record, emerging from an empty house. It is going to be a fait accomplish.
Mark my words.