The Kwankwasiyya Movement has pushed back against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, insisting that only Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, command genuine grassroots backing within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The group was reacting to Atiku’s recent claim that he enjoys greater popularity than other northern presidential hopefuls, including Kwankwaso.
That statement has stirred fresh debate within opposition circles, especially as talks around a possible coalition ahead of future elections continue.
Speaking during an interview on Trust TV, the spokesperson of the movement, Hon. Habib Mailemo, dismissed Atiku’s position.
He maintained that both Kwankwaso and Obi have built strong followings that are not driven by political inducement.
“It is only Peter Obi and my principal, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, that have organic followers that are not induced by anything,” Mailemo said.
He added that their support base is rooted in public confidence in their leadership records. According to him, many Nigerians connect with their track record and see them as credible alternatives.
Mailemo also stressed that the current political conversation should move beyond personal rivalry. He said the focus should be on how to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
He explained that Kwankwaso’s involvement in ongoing coalition discussions is not about personal ambition. Instead, he described it as part of a broader effort to reposition the country.
“My principal has made it very clear that we are going into the coalition simply because his sole intention is to contribute to rescuing Nigeria,” he said.
On the issue of popularity in the North, Mailemo acknowledged Atiku’s long political career. However, he argued that much of Atiku’s past electoral success was tied to party structures, particularly during his time with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“It is true that Atiku has contested multiple times, particularly under the PDP where he had the backing of governors and a strong structure,” he said.
“But he cannot solely attribute the votes he garnered to personal popularity, given the elite consensus and broad political support within that fold at the time.”
He went further to draw a contrast between Atiku and the duo of Obi and Kwankwaso. According to him, both men rose politically without relying heavily on established party systems.
“I am giving you a different scenario where Peter Obi and Kwankwaso stood on their own and became synonymous with the parties they joined, largely because of their personal popularity,” he said.
“They made significant impact in elections where they were not initially considered strong contenders.”
Mailemo insisted that a fair comparison would only be possible if Atiku had contested under a less established political platform and built it into a formidable force.
“If he had contested under a platform without an established structure and built it into a formidable force as they did, then we could properly assess the strength of his personal appeal,” he added.
He also referenced past political developments to support his argument. He cited the emergence of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, noting that strong party backing can often determine electoral outcomes.
“Yar’Adua may not have been the most popular at the time, but with a strong party structure and broad-based support, he emerged president,” he said.
“Anyone with such backing is likely to secure substantial votes.”
Despite the sharp tone of his remarks, Mailemo downplayed concerns that such comments could deepen divisions within the opposition. He said honest conversations are necessary if any coalition is to succeed.
“The expectation is that key figures within the coalition, including Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso, should come together, understand themselves, and conduct a proper analysis of their strengths,” he said.
“That is the only way they can arrive at a credible position to challenge the ruling government and offer Nigerians a viable alternative.”