Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has alleged a deliberate plot from Lagos to marginalise northern Nigeria. Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Skyline University in Kano on Saturday, Kwankwaso highlighted a range of challenges afflicting the North, including insecurity, economic instability, poverty, and inadequate healthcare, which he described as detrimental to the region’s well-being and the nation’s progress.
Kwankwaso pointed to a perceived interference by Lagos in Kano’s emirate affairs, asserting that the region’s autonomy is being undermined.
“Today, Lagos would not allow us to choose an emir; Lagos has to come to the centre of Kano to impose their choice emir,” he said, accusing external forces of influencing key decisions in the region.
The former Kano State governor also raised concerns about the diversion of revenue generated in Kano to Lagos. He alleged that taxes and revenues from businesses and telecommunications registered in Kano were being siphoned to Lagos, thereby depleting the North’s financial resources.
“Efforts are being made to take all the taxes from Kano to Lagos. Even our sons and daughters who have established factories and banks here in Kano are being pressured to relocate their headquarters to Lagos so that the proceeds from their taxes benefit Lagos,” Kwankwaso stated.
He criticised what he described as a growing socio-economic disparity, warning of the dangers of widening the gap between the rich and poor. He emphasized that such trends could have long-term negative implications for national stability.
Kwankwaso also called on northern lawmakers in the National Assembly to remain vigilant against policies or actions that could marginalise the region. He referenced past incidents, such as during the 1999–2003 legislative period, when he alleged lawmakers were bribed to pass laws that had adverse economic impacts on the North.
He urged legislators to act in the interest of their constituents, ensuring that northern Nigeria retains its fair share of resources and opportunities.
Kwankwaso’s remarks come amid his broader criticism of the All Progressives Congress, which he accused of losing focus while Nigerians face mounting economic and social hardships.
