By Mahmud Shawai
Amid the political permutations currently unfolding, numerous political predictions are being made ahead of the 2027 general election.
However, no matter how loud or persuasive the political narratives may be, we can never take our eyes off the reality of politics, which is best observed through the footprints of the heroes in the political space.
Yes, I said heroes, even though they are few in the current political dispensation. But among these heroes stands a Giant Hero—one whom I describe as a Tulip tree in the political landscape.
He survived the most devastating winds of betrayal and internal sabotage, yet he still stands firm in his mission.
Among all the prominent politicians in Nigeria, no one has withstood the pressure of betrayal to the extent that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso does.
Ganduje’s betrayal of Kwankwaso was not just another episode in the history of Nigerian politics but rather a lesson for every political benefactor.
The aftermath of Ganduje’s betrayal was not favourable to him and his associates. It ignited a political flame that consumed them in less than three years. If not for the support of the then Federal Government, he would not have returned to office as the state’s governor. Kwankwaso survived the stormy ocean of Ganduje’s betrayal.
Unfortunately, human beings tend to forget things easily. Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was relatively unknown politically at the time, was among those who witnessed how betrayal can instantly destroy the one who commits it.
Today, Abba has forgotten everything his benefactor did for him over more than 40 years. One of the most disturbing actions attributed to him is his association with Ganduje’s camp in what many perceive as an attempt to tarnish Kwankwaso’s image.
Succinctly, Abba was politically nursed and nurtured by Kwankwaso. It’s of no doubt that Kwankwaso’s camp faced serious disintegration in 2019 because of the choice he made in selecting Abba.
Kwankwaso endured internal sabotage because of that decision. He sold his properties to sponsor Abba’s campaign, but sadly, the seat of power led Abba to initiate a political conflict with his own benefactor.
Despite all these misfortunes, Kwankwaso remains firm and politically steadfast. I believe that no other politician in Nigeria could have withstood such a level of betrayal and still remained resolute.
