Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, recently weighed in on the ongoing political discourse between Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Ahmad stated that he believes Obi is “politically” bigger than Kwankwaso, a perspective that counters Kwankwaso’s own assertions of political superiority.
Kwankwaso made headlines during an interview in Kano, where he claimed that his political stature surpasses that of Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last election. This statement sparked a response from Ahmad, who has always respected Kwankwaso as a progressive political figure but disagrees with his recent claims.
In a post on X, Ahmad articulated his admiration for Kwankwaso while emphasizing his disagreement with the latter’s assessment of political influence. He acknowledged Kwankwaso’s contributions to Nigerian politics but felt compelled to highlight the discrepancies in their electoral performances.
Ahmad pointed to the results from the 2023 presidential election as evidence of Obi’s broader appeal. Peter Obi secured 6,101,533 votes, leading in 11 states, which reflects significant national support. In contrast, Kwankwaso garnered 1,496,687 votes and led in only one state, Kano.
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These numbers, according to Ahmad, clearly indicate that Obi possesses a more substantial political influence across Nigeria. He argued that the electoral results should serve as a basis for evaluating political stature, rather than mere claims made in interviews.
While Ahmad respects Kwankwaso’s legacy and contributions, he believes that the data from the election speaks volumes about the current political landscape. He encourages a more data-driven approach to political discussions, underscoring the importance of electoral outcomes in determining political relevance.
Ahmad’s remarks highlight the ongoing rivalry between the two politicians and reflect broader tensions within Nigerian politics. As both figures continue to navigate their political paths, the discourse surrounding their influence is likely to evolve.
In conclusion, Ahmad’s assertion that Peter Obi is politically larger than Rabiu Kwankwaso is rooted in the electoral results of the 2023 presidential election. His perspective adds a nuanced layer to the discussion, emphasizing the need for a factual basis in political debates.
