Political figure Ayekooto Akindele has sharply criticised former Kano State Governor and current NNPP leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for what he termed “stylish marketing” of President Bola Tinubu to the Northern electorate.
In a recent statement, Akindele suggested that Kwankwaso’s actions amount to indirect campaigning for Tinubu. A move that could alienate his core supporters.
Akindele questioned the timing and tone of Kwankwaso’s recent remarks and attendance at events, arguing they signal a subtle endorsement of the ruling APC.
This, he asserted, contradicts his opposition posture and may appear disingenuous to NNPP loyalists in Kano and across the North.
He warned that such behavior could erode trust in opposition integrity and dampen mobilization efforts before 2027.
The critique comes after Kwankwaso voiced strong concerns about perceived northern marginalisation under Tinubu’s administration, focusing on lopsided resource allocation and declining infrastructure.
Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political bloc, joined the fray by dismissing Kwankwaso’s criticisms as “grossly misleading” and politically motivated, insisting the North has significantly benefited from federal programmes under both Buhari and Tinubu.
They highlighted infrastructure achievements including the Kano-Maiduguri dual carriageway, AKK gas pipeline, and the Sokoto–Badagry corridor among developments now reaching northern states.
Meanwhile, the Presidency, through spokesperson Sunday Dare, released a detailed project dossier to refute Kwankwaso’s claims emphasizing that infrastructure, energy, education, health, and environmental initiatives across the North are both active and extensive.
Dare asserted: “You are wrong. Northern Nigeria not left behind” and directed critics to facts rather than the twisted version of it.
