By Ibrahim Muhammad Kano The Kwankwasiyya Movement has declared it will pursue “every lawful remedy” against individuals or gr...
By Ibrahim Muhammad Kano
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has declared it will pursue “every lawful remedy” against individuals or groups who spread “false and malicious allegations” against its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, or the movement.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, PhD, the movement reaffirmed its commitment to democratic engagement, freedom of expression, and political competition, but drew a sharp line between criticism and defamation.
“No one is above criticism, but no one is free to defame,” the statement read. “We welcome criticism when it is constructive, factual, and aimed at strengthening our democratic culture.”
The movement noted that Senator Kwankwaso, a former governor and current Vice-Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has spent decades in public service and remains “one of the most scrutinized political figures in Nigeria.”
“Throughout this period, he has consistently demonstrated the maturity and tolerance required in a democratic society. Therefore, neither Senator Kwankwaso nor the Kwankwasiyya Movement is afraid of criticism or political opposition,” the statement said.
However, the group stressed there is a “clear distinction” between legitimate political criticism and “the deliberate publication of falsehoods designed to deceive the public, damage reputations, incite hatred, or create divisions.”
“While we remain prepared to engage political opponents on issues, policies, ideology, performance, and vision, we will not fold our arms and watch individuals deliberately manufacture lies, spread malicious allegations, or engage in character assassination under the guise of political commentary.”
The movement warned that going forward, “any individual, group, organization, religious leader, political actor, or public office holder” who intentionally spreads false claims against Kwankwaso or the movement “should be prepared to defend such claims through lawful and appropriate channels.”
“No individual is above the law. No office is too high. No position is too influential. Whether the source of the falsehood is a politician, a cleric, a traditional ruler, a media personality, or any other public figure, we shall not hesitate to pursue every lawful remedy available,” it stated.
The group clarified that the stance should not be mistaken for hostility toward criticism. “Political debate is healthy. Honest disagreement is welcome. Deliberate falsehood and malicious propaganda are not.”
The statement highlighted Kwankwaso’s role as NDC Vice-Presidential Candidate and his “cordial and productive working relationship” with Presidential Candidate Peter Obi. It said Kwankwaso has been “building bridges across regions” and expanding the party’s structure, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
“His engagement with stakeholders from diverse political, religious, and ethnic backgrounds has generated renewed hope among millions of Nigerians seeking a credible alternative for the future of the country,” the movement said.
It alleged that the “growing acceptance of Senator Kwankwaso and the rapid rise of the NDC have become a source of concern to some political interests,” accusing certain individuals of resorting to “misinformation, distortion, and personal attacks” to undermine the party’s momentum.
“Such malicious and unprovoked attacks will neither distract us from our mission nor discourage us from pursuing our vision for a more prosperous, united, and just Nigeria,” the statement added.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement urged political actors and commentators to embrace “responsible discourse and issue-based engagement” as Nigeria prepares for another democratic transition, reiterating its focus on good governance, social justice, and national unity.
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