The Chauvinistic Kwankwasiyya: What Has Atiku Done Wrong? »

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

For the past few weeks, since the talk for coalition started, Kwankwaso’s loyalists have been on the neck of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Several attacks have been made on his name and, whoever–amongst his loyalists–tries to shield him, would be meted out with the same confrontation. It takes only the brave ones, those who will always refuse to be bullied, to stand up to their shenanigans.

Politics is a game of interest. The earlier the Kwankwasiyya group know this, the better for them. It takes only the smartest ones at the game to win it. Politics is never a game of altruism. Even when you have to give your support to someone else, in politics, it’s never without interest. So, as a politician, if you must win, you must go to the field with your ‘A game’ in selfishness. That’s the honest truth.

It’s after the attainment of self-interest that a politician would begin to think about the people he’s representing. Even at the discharge of his duty as the representative of his people, self-interest is still in the picture –he does all the good things in order to be re-elected.

Despite being aware of the above bitter truth about politics, it surprises me the manner in which the Kwankwasiyya group always fault Atiku Abubakar for the failure of their principal not being able to sail the opposition ship. Why must Atiku Abubakar leave the field before your principal can be effective as the face of the opposition from the north, at least?

The Turaki of Adamawa has been contesting for the office of the president before Buhari emerged as the president. They even contested in the same party for a primary election and Buhari emerged as the party’s flag bearer which made him contest against Jonathan and he won. It all happened while Atiku was still adamant to run for the office. He never compromised his interest for Buhari’s. And, for the fact that he’s obstinate didn’t make Buhari lose, either. So I ask: what is the rivalry for?

The attack has become even more annoying now that the duo are no more under the same umbrella. This very moment should be the perfect time for Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to operate effectively as the face of the opposition in the country as his supporters yearned. But, that’s by the way. A principal like Kwankwaso who doesn’t show up when the voice of the opposition is to be heard except during election–presidential election to be precise–which is of an interval of four years, shouldn’t be bothered when those who really play opposition take their rightful place when it’s time.

It always take range of emotions on internet from some of his loyalists–the educated and honest ones–for him to address the nation on pressing national issues. For this reason, and others, is the reason why people in many quarters are of the opinion that he is working for the Lagos landlord.