Democracy is defined as “a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives” (Robert Dahl, 1998). Democracy emphasizes citizen participation, protection of individual rights, and accountability of government to the people. In Nigeria’s democratic system, these concepts are crucial for understanding the dynamics of power and decision-making.
This article explores the rise and demise of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s political dynasty in Kano State, examining how his leadership style has impacted the state’s political landscape. The Kwankwasiya political dynasty, once dominant in Kano State politics, appears to be crumbling. Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s actions have led to its downfall, exemplifying “political nemesis,” a term used to describe a situation where an individual’s actions ultimately lead to their own downfall.
After the 2023 election win, Kwankwaso allegedly directed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to demolish public buildings and markets built by the previous administration. This move, perceived as vendetta, severely affected the livelihoods of innocent traders, particularly those in the Filin Idi Market.
Senator Kwankwaso’s decision to change the logo of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) resulted in him losing party control. Now, being in government but without a legal political party due to internal party conflicts and court orders. Kwankwaso’s attempts to dominate NNPP have failed, resulting in political factions and the decamping of NNPP Senator and other House of Representatives members to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
With an uncertain political future, he might decamp to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), or join another new party entirely, or else risk ending his political career in 2027. Moreover, Senator Kwankwaso’s leadership style seems driven by personal animosity rather than public interest.
This is reminiscent of his actions in 2011, when he abandoned projects initiated by former Governor Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, such as the Paediatric Hospital along Zoo Road and Muhammad Buhari General Hospital in Giginyu. These projects were later completed by Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in 2016.
Senator Kwankwaso’s approach to governance, prioritizing personal interests over continuity of impactful projects, has caused significant political losses for his party, the NNPP, and damaged the administration’s progress. Furthermore, truth be told, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, perceived as a simple personality due to his sympathetic nature towards the less privileged, payment of pensioners’ gratuity, visits to the sick, and condolences to the bereaved, seems to have been hindered negatively by Senator Kwankwaso’s politics of vendetta.
The Kwankwaso political decline highlights the consequences of prioritizing personal interests over public welfare and party stability. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Kwankwaso’s legacy will be remembered and what lessons can be learned from his kind of politics.
