The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has criticised former Kano State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over remarks allegedly comparing himself to some of Northern Nigeria’s most respected political leaders.
The National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Tukur Mohammed-Baba, said Kwankwaso should stop presenting himself as a modern-day saviour of the North or comparing his political influence to that of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sarduana of Sokoto, and the late Mallam Aminu Kano.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Mohammed-Baba said such comparisons were inappropriate and unlikely to be accepted by many people in Northern Nigeria.
According to him, the late Sarduana and Aminu Kano were exceptional leaders who played historic roles during a different era and whose legacies cannot be easily compared with those of contemporary politicians.
“He has been saying the wrong things, talking about Sarduana, Aminu Kano, saying he is the new Messiah, and I think that in the North that is very irreverent because you can’t compare yourself to those people. They operated in the context of their time,” Mohammed-Baba said.
The ACF spokesman added that it would be unrealistic for any politician to suggest that he alone represents an alternative political future for the North in the same way those leaders did decades ago.
“It will be highly delusional of him to go that far and say he presents an alternative,” he stated.
The comments are the latest in a series of political debates involving Kwankwaso, one of Northern Nigeria’s most prominent politicians and a former presidential candidate.
Kwankwaso has remained an influential figure in the region through the Kwankwasiyya political movement, which enjoys support in parts of Kano State and several northern states.
In recent months, he has spoken frequently about the political direction of the North and the need for leaders who can address the region’s growing challenges, including insecurity, poverty, unemployment and poor infrastructure.
His supporters often portray him as a strong voice for Northern interests and a leader capable of mobilising grassroots support across the region.
However, critics argue that no contemporary politician can easily claim the stature or influence of figures such as Ahmadu Bello and Aminu Kano, whose contributions shaped the political history of Northern Nigeria.
Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sarduana of Sokoto, was the Premier of Northern Nigeria during the First Republic and remains one of the most influential political figures in the region’s history.
He played a key role in the development of Northern Nigeria before his assassination during the military coup of January 1966.
Many Northerners continue to regard him as a symbol of leadership, unity and development.
Similarly, Aminu Kano is widely remembered for championing the rights of ordinary people and promoting social justice through the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU).
His political philosophy and advocacy for the poor earned him lasting respect across Northern Nigeria and beyond.
Because of their historical significance, comparisons involving the two leaders often generate strong reactions from political groups and regional organisations.
The Arewa Consultative Forum is one of the leading socio-cultural organisations in Northern Nigeria and frequently comments on issues affecting the region, including governance, security, economic development and politics.
Although the forum does not directly participate in partisan politics, its views often attract attention because of its influence among political leaders and stakeholders in the North.
Mohammed-Baba’s remarks suggest that some northern leaders are uncomfortable with narratives that place present-day politicians in the same category as iconic figures from the region’s past.
The North remains a critical voting bloc in Nigeria, making the region a major focus for political parties and aspiring leaders.
As discussions about the future of Northern leadership continue, observers say politicians will increasingly be judged by their achievements, policies and ability to address the region’s challenges rather than by comparisons with historical figures.
For now, the ACF maintains that leaders such as Ahmadu Bello and Aminu Kano occupy a unique place in Northern Nigeria’s history and that attempts by contemporary politicians to place themselves on the same level may not resonate with many people in the region.