The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has accused Lagos of attempting to “colonise” the northern region of Nigeria.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Skyline University in Kano, Kwankwaso claimed Lagos has interfered in Kano’s emirate affairs, asserting that external forces are influencing the selection of traditional leaders in the region.

“Today, there are clear efforts from the Lagos axis to colonise this part of the country. Lagos wouldn’t allow us to choose an emir; they have to come to the centre of Kano to impose their own,” he alleged.

Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, also expressed concerns about various challenges facing the North, including insecurity, poverty, hunger, and diseases, which he described as detrimental to the nation’s progress.

He accused Lagos-based entities of exploiting the North through taxation. “Young men from Lagos are working hard to impose taxes on us, taking away revenues from Kano and other parts of the North to Lagos. Even phone registrations and businesses that originate here are manipulated to divert taxes to Lagos,” Kwankwaso stated.

He also criticized policies that he believes widen the gap between the rich and the poor. “Efforts to make the poor poorer and the rich richer are dangerous and unacceptable,” he said.

Kwankwaso urged northern lawmakers to remain vigilant and protect the region from exploitation, citing past instances of alleged bribery and economic sabotage. “During the first term, 1999 to 2000, National Assembly members were bribed into supporting policies that hurt the North’s economy. This must not happen again,” he warned.

The former governor called for unity and proactive measures to safeguard the region’s interests, emphasizing the importance of fair representation and equitable development.