KANO, Nigeria — Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for allegedly marginalising northern Nigeria by disproportionately concentrating national development resources in the southern part of the country.
Speaking during the Kano State Stakeholders’ Dialogue on the 2025 Constitutional Amendment held in Kano, Kwankwaso lamented the poor state of infrastructure in the North, especially federal roads, and cited a recent harrowing journey from Abuja to Kano as evidence of neglect.
“Yesterday, I was supposed to travel by air, but my flight was delayed from 3 to 8 p.m. I had no option but to travel by road. From Abuja to Kaduna to Kano was a nightmare the roads are in terrible condition,” he recounted.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, condemned what he described as an imbalance in infrastructure development. He noted that while road projects connecting the southern and eastern parts of the country were being prioritised, similar critical infrastructure in the North had been abandoned.
“We support infrastructure anywhere in Nigeria whether in the South, East, or West but there must be fairness. This is not just about roads; it’s about justice and equity in the use of public resources. It’s unacceptable for a government to divert national wealth into one part of the country while ignoring others,” he said.
The former Minister of Defence expressed frustration that key projects like the Abuja-Kano highway, started under the previous administration, have remained unfinished despite their significance to the northern economy and national cohesion.
Kwankwaso added that equitable distribution of resources would have even benefited his own campaign, noting, “Had that road been completed before the 2023 election, it would have helped me immensely, as I was the only presidential candidate who traversed the entire country.”
Call for Unity Among Northern Lawmakers
Kwankwaso also used the opportunity to call for unity and integrity among legislators from Kano and other northern states in the upcoming constitutional amendment process.
He warned against the continued influence of powerful elites who, he claimed, bribe lawmakers to distort the constitution and resource allocation in their favour.
“We’ve seen it before during 1999 to 2003 and in subsequent assemblies. Lawmakers were given the chance to stand for their people but failed because they were compromised. The rich used their wealth to manipulate the process, and that’s why the North continues to lag behind,” he said.
“This time, all representatives whether from the NNPP or any other party must stand firm. The rich are again trying to take from the poor. We must resist and ensure the constitutional amendment reflects fairness and equity.”
Governor Yusuf Backs Dialogue for Inclusive Reform
In his remarks, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf said the stakeholders’ dialogue was a crucial step in forging a unified position for the constitutional amendment that represents the aspirations of Kano people.
“This dialogue is timely, and it serves as a platform to amplify the voices and realities of our people. Our goal is to ensure that the reforms ahead reflect true federalism, equity, and justice for all Nigerians,” the governor stated.
The event brought together a wide range of participants including federal and state lawmakers, traditional rulers such as the Emirs of Kano, Gaya, and Karaye, top government officials, civil society leaders, and concerned citizens.
