Northern Youth Assembly Condemns Kwankwaso-Obi Alliance, Describes It as Betrayal of Northern Ideals

The Northern Youth Assembly (NYA) has strongly criticized the reported political alliance between the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the development as a betrayal of the core values upon which the Kwankwasiyya Movement was founded.

In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Dr. Hafiz Garba, the group alleged that the alliance represents a departure from the principles of northern pride, cultural identity, and regional development that have long defined the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

According to the Assembly, the movement was built over decades on a platform of educational advancement, economic empowerment, and the promotion of northern interests. It cited scholarship programmes, welfare initiatives, and advocacy for the development of Northern Nigeria as key achievements associated with the movement.

The group argued that the alliance with Obi and the Obidient Movement raises concerns because of what it described as past criticisms by some Obidient supporters against prominent Northern historical figures, including Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto; Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa; and Islamic scholar Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio.

The Assembly maintained that Kwankwaso owes Northern Nigerians an explanation regarding his association with a political movement whose supporters, it claimed, have made remarks perceived as disrespectful to Northern leaders and historical icons.

“The North deserves clear answers on how a political movement built on defending Northern dignity can now align itself with individuals and groups that have allegedly disparaged some of the region’s most revered figures,” the statement said.

The group further accused Kwankwaso of remaining silent in the face of such criticisms, arguing that his failure to publicly condemn them raises questions about his commitment to the ideals he has long championed.

According to the Assembly, many supporters who embraced the Kwankwasiyya Movement because of its emphasis on Northern identity and development may view the alliance as a contradiction of the values the movement once represented.

The statement concluded by describing the alliance as a significant disappointment to many Northern political observers and supporters, insisting that the region’s historical and cultural heritage should not be compromised for political expediency.

The Northern Youth Assembly called on Northern stakeholders and citizens to critically assess the implications of emerging political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections and to remain committed to protecting the region’s interests and values