Kwankwaso labels Northern elders’ influence on candidate selection as undemocratic

The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general election, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has described the ways northern elders influence candidate selection as diminishing democracy.

This was just as he expressed his concerns about how those he called self-proclaimed stakeholders are interfering with the democratic process, particularly in the selection and fielding of candidates for elections.

Speaking in a recent interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso made significant allegations regarding the role of northern elders in the political landscape of Nigeria.

According to him, his primary argument is that this interference is detrimental to democracy and fosters disunity among the people.

While illustrating his point, Kwankwaso referred to the 2019 general elections, where he noted that despite having a diverse pool of candidates from the northwest—ranging from former governors to ministers—the final selections did not reflect what was best for the region.

He criticised this trend as one where personal interests overshadowed communal needs, leading to discord among constituents.

He believes that such actions lead to the election of candidates who may not be competent or representative of the broader interests of their constituents.

He emphasised that the influence exerted by northern elders in candidate selection is undermining democracy, creating divisions within society, and ultimately resulting in subpar leadership choices that do not serve the public interest.

According to him, “This practice not only misleads voters but also undermines genuine democratic participation.”

Kwankwaso added that instead of advocating for collective interests at important political venues like Port Harcourt or Abuja, these elders prioritise their selfish motives.

He therefore emphasised that northern leaders should learn from past electoral experiences and avoid meddling in candidate selection processes.

This call for reflection stems from his observation that many decisions regarding candidate endorsements are made by a small group of individuals rather than through a more inclusive and democratic process.

Kwankwaso then articulated his frustration by stating that these influential elders often fabricate narratives to present certain candidates as being endorsed by the region when, in reality, these decisions are made behind closed doors by only two or three people.

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