“We got nothing for helping Buhari win in 2015” — Kwankwaso

Former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has said he and his political supporters gained nothing after helping former President Muhammadu Buhari secure victory in the 2015 presidential election.

Mr Kwankwaso made the remarks during an interview on Arise TV on Monday, while reflecting on his political journey and the factors that pushed him toward seeking a new political direction.

“I worked so hard. We brought about 1.9, almost 2 million votes. But as politicians, we are not recognised,” he said.

“We put our lives even on the line at that time. But unfortunately, we could not see any benefit either as individuals or the constituencies that we represented.”

Reflection on past administrations

Mr Kwankwaso did not specify what benefits he expected from the Buhari administration or what he believed was lacking after the 2015 election.

However, he reviewed successive Nigerian governments since 1999, arguing that the country has yet to experience the level of leadership needed for meaningful national progress.

He said former President Olusegun Obasanjo “did his best,” while the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua faced severe health challenges during his administration.

He also stated that former President Goodluck Jonathan governed under political complications linked to a disputed one-term arrangement.

Turning to the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr Kwankwaso said, “Everybody knows there are issues with this administration again.”

Push for political change

According to Mr Kwankwaso, growing dissatisfaction across the country has intensified calls for political change ahead of the 2027 elections.

“And therefore, people are determined at grassroots level… that there should be some level of changes,” he said.

Mr Kwankwaso recently joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress alongside former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi as opposition leaders continue coalition talks ahead of the next general election.

He claimed the NDC has witnessed increasing support since their defection.

“Since we decided to join NDC, Nigerians have decided to come and join us. People are opening offices everywhere across the world,” he added.

Support for southern presidency

Mr Kwankwaso also defended his support for zoning the NDC’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South, arguing that national development depends more on competence than regional identity.

“Those of us in the political trenches would tell you that it is not only the man from your end that would make the country move forward,” he said.

“What is key is to have quality leadership, people who are enthusiastic, determined and committed to give the country the leadership it deserves.”

The remarks come amid growing opposition realignments and mounting political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with several politicians exploring coalition platforms to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Mr Kwankwaso’s comments also reignite debate over political alliances that led to the historic 2015 election, which ended 16 years of Peoples Democratic Party rule at the federal level.