In a Twitter statement on Monday, Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, weighed in on the political influence of former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Ahmad, known for his outspoken views, voiced his disagreement with Senator Kwankwaso’s recent claim of being politically larger than Obi.
While expressing his respect for Kwankwaso, Ahmad pointed to the results of the 2023 presidential election as clear evidence of Obi’s broader national support. “Even though I have never been a Kwankwasiyya loyalist, I have always admired and respected Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. However, I do not agree with his recent statement during his interview in Kano, where he claimed to be politically bigger than Peter Obi,” Ahmad tweeted.
Highlighting the election data, Ahmad noted that Peter Obi garnered 6,101,533 votes and won in 11 states, showcasing his national appeal. In contrast, Kwankwaso secured 1,496,687 votes, winning only in Kano State. “These numbers clearly suggest that, at least in the context of the 2023 election, Peter Obi has significantly more political influence across the country,” Ahmad added.
The former presidential aide’s comments reflect ongoing debates within Nigeria’s political landscape, as politicians and analysts assess the legacies and influence of key figures following the 2023 elections. Ahmad concluded his statement with a pointed remark: “So, Peter Obi is bigger than Rabiu Kwankwaso, politically.”
