Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former governor of Kano State, has alleged attempts by Lagos to dominate northern Nigeria’s governance and economy.
Speaking at Skyline University’s convocation ceremony in Kano, Kwankwaso criticized external interference in Kano’s emirate system and economic affairs, framing it as a larger threat to the nation’s stability. He pointed to insecurity, poverty, and economic instability in northern Nigeria as significant challenges compounded by external pressures.
The NNPP leader specifically accused Lagos of meddling in Kano’s traditional leadership selection process. “Lagos wouldn’t allow us to choose an emir; Lagos has to come to the centre of Kano to put their own emir,” he claimed, describing this influence as an affront to the region’s autonomy.
Kwankwaso also criticised economic centralization, arguing that Lagos unfairly absorbs tax revenues from northern states. “Today, even taxes from phones registered here in Kano are taken to Lagos. Factories and banks owned by northerners are compelled to move their headquarters to Lagos, forcing taxes to flow south,” he said.
The former presidential candidate urged northern lawmakers to defend regional interests, recalling past grievances, including alleged financial inducement of northern representatives during Nigeria’s early democratic years. Kwankwaso argued that these historical events had worsened the region’s economic challenges.
“We witnessed how, during 1999-2000, our National Assembly members were bribed to pass laws detrimental to our economy. This has caused lasting harm not just to the North but to the entire nation,” he said.
Kwankwaso’s remarks underscore his call for greater vigilance and regional empowerment to address long-standing inequities.
