That gathering of IDPs – Internally Displaced Politicians

By ANONYMOUS

The run-up to 2023 appeared hot until recently when it turned even more heated. Political control freaks, as well as those who have lost relevance in their various political enclaves, are aligning and re-aligning to test their influence. These new political formations by failed, disillusioned, and displaced politicians for selfish interests particularly prior to national elections is not a new phenomenon in Nigerian politics.

It was the turn of Rabiu Kwankwaso (Former Governor Kano State) who on 21st February 2022 unveiled what he calls The National Movement (TNM) to battle the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) come 2023. Kwankwaso among others like Ike Ekweremadu, Solomon Dalung, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, Buba Galadima, Suleiman Hunkuyi, Alhaji Ari Gwaska, Senator Grace Folashade-Bent, Rufai Hanga, and so on, gave the convergence the appearance of an attendance register of disgruntled and frustrated politicians.

I am not here to contend with their promises, ambitions, aspirations or claim to fame. Rather, I am here to x-ray their accomplishments/failures in public and their private endeavours, given that this time, their claim in this movement is in heeding a “clarion call to Serve”. If they must, then wheat should be separated from chaff. Similarly, away from achievements or failures, dissecting these lot is necessary to remind unsuspecting members of the public need to tackle the antics and trickery which confronts them.

Nigeria, like never before, cannot afford to joke with such conflagration of tired and dubious minds, not in 2023! For Kwankwaso and his group of political outsiders, the claim every single time flight to another political affiliation beacons is in service to “our dear people”. But these guys are terribly unpopular and self-centered. None among those paraded can win his particular polling box, let alone ward. As arrowhead, Kwankwaso has a ridiculous reputation for persistent defections. Precisely between 2015–2022, he shamelessly gerrymanders political parties, attempting to enthrone himself as President and his In-law Governor, in Kano State. Quite condemnable for one with his kind of ambition. Kwankwaso undoubtedly reacts woefully once he loses a sense of control.

For him, it seems like an innate urge to tactfully destroy anything he cannot control. While Governor of Kano, he established the kwankwasiya red cap idealist group through which he controlled not only governance but the streets. As soon as he exited the government house, he engaged his predecessor in the dirtiest battle, over utilising the same group and Ganduje’s attempts to assert himself. Kwankwaso so mismanaged the face-off, that it became a matter of public concern and a high-security threat any time he planned a visit to Kano. While the fray lasted several lives were lost and property destroyed. Aside allegations of misappropriating Kano pension funds and a scholarship scheme marred by allegations of sharp practices, everything he touched has worsened his awful reputation. Nothing abated the heated Kwankwaso until his ultimate disgraceful failure in the 2019 elections and re-run. So, in his political “magu magu” Kwankwaso believes that uniting under a new party will suddenly make him a liberator. Nigerians have become wiser.

Ekweremadu on the other hand has not recovered from his loss of the exalted Deputy Senate President position which reduced him to a mere observer in the hallowed chamber. Among many efforts that would have salvaged his standing is the withdrawal of N7.75 billion of public funds in four years to purportedly review sections of the 1999 Constitution, with Ihedioha, Former Deputy Speaker. Alas, that failed so woefully, now he can only wish he foresaw today. Furthermore, he is well aware that his constituents and the good people of Enugu State are tired of his sit-tight syndrome, which is exacerbated by under-performance with so little to show for Ekeremadu’s decades of service in the National Assembly. His kinsmen also hold a grudge with his failure to explain how he allegedly owns 22 properties in Nigeria, the United States, United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. Hence, to realise his long-held ambition of becoming Governor, he has to swing between parties and now he seats nowhere.

Another political failure in the movement is the former Minister of Sport, Solomon Dalung who has been adjudged with an unprecedented under-performance and about the worst to have occupied that position in Nigeria’s recent past. Imagine a Minister of the Federal Republic covering up his Ministry’s inability to pay match bonuses to national teams by boldly inferring he did not expect the team to win the trophy. Such an easy toss aside for Mr. President. Now he dreams of leading others. How?

Mr Buba Galadima (Mr. President’s long-time ally, turned fiercest critic) is one politician whose frustration stems from not being accorded recognition or appointment by President Buhari. His is almost a frustration-aggressive attempt at fighting back. Galadima is full of sentiments only. He may not think logically or ideally, and it is a pity. Likely, his claim of closely knowing Mr. President is false, because if he did, he would know that Mr. President is guided by competence rather than sentiment. Those others like Tanko Yakasai, an acclaimed elder statesman and nationalist and Rufai Sani Hanga, have slid into political oblivion in Kano state. Hence discussing national politics with such ostracised and disgruntled politicians, is only an opportunity at bread and butter for them.

Another surprise in the mix is Senator Shehu Sani, who cannot win even at ward levels in Kaduna. Managed to achieve a single term under PMB’s wings. Sen Sani, should leave politics to politicians and focus on influencing on social media platforms. He has a knack for it. He is jinxed and not destined to be Kaduna State Governor. Others are all birds of the same feather, ranging from those that have proven to be failures in whatever political position or appointment they have attained. It is time to retire or take a rest from partisan politics. When one looks at the so-called TNM, one can easily see a sinking ship. Meanwhile, it is worthy to inquire, what to make of Utomi’s national movement? Seeing that his group is clearly different from this one. The country might just end up with one national movement per State or Local Government, as it seems others are still being baked.

Kwankwaso and his co-conspirators must accept the reality that Nigerians have realised the power of their voter’s cards. The era of using deception, ethnicity, religious sentiment, security challenges, and economic instability as a divide and rule gimmick is over. Yes, Kwankwaso and his allies exploited the same strategy to win in 2011 and 2015. However, it will not work in 2023. Nigeria needs in its would-be leader qualities that would help revitalise the economy, entrench unity, and a firmness of purpose to steer the country towards growth and competitiveness in the comity of nations.