By Hadiza Mohammed, Northern Operation
The Northern Youths Assembly has rejected the reported political alliance between former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general election, describing the move as a betrayal of northern political values and interests.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Secretary-General, Hafiz Garba, the group said Kwankwaso’s alignment with Obi and the Obidient Movement had raised serious concerns about his commitment to the ideals upon which the Kwankwasiyya Movement was founded.
According to the Assembly, the Kwankwasiyya Movement gained widespread acceptance across northern Nigeria through its focus on education, youth empowerment, social development and advocacy for the region’s progress.
The group argued that the movement’s identity, symbolised by the famous red cap, was deeply rooted in the defence of northern interests, dignity and cultural heritage.
“The North deserves a clear explanation from Kwankwaso. A leader who built his political career on northern pride cannot remain silent in the face of what many perceive as attacks on the region’s historical icons,” the statement read.
The Assembly further alleged that some supporters of the Obidient Movement had made remarks considered disrespectful to revered northern leaders, including Sir Ahmadu Bello, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Usman Dan Fodio.
It questioned why Kwankwaso had not publicly distanced himself from or condemned such comments before reportedly entering into a political partnership with Obi.
The group maintained that the emerging alliance appeared driven more by political ambition than by genuine concern for the interests of northern Nigerians.
According to the statement, the coalition represents a departure from the principles that attracted millions of supporters to the Kwankwasiyya Movement over the years.
The Assembly warned that many loyal supporters of the movement could become disillusioned by the development, describing the alliance as a political miscalculation capable of weakening Kwankwaso’s influence across the North.
It therefore urged northern voters to critically evaluate emerging political coalitions ahead of the 2027 elections and ensure that regional interests remain protected.
The group also advised political leaders to remain faithful to the principles and ideals upon which they built their public image, insisting that personal political ambition should not override the aspirations and values of the people they claim to represent.
