US listing of Kwankwaso as fundamentalist designed to diminish his political relevance – Shehu
Political Analyst Critiques Labeling of Kwankwaso as Islamic Fundamentalist
Mahdi Shehu, a political analyst, has asserted that recent characterizations of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as an Islamic fundamentalist are part of a calculated political strategy aimed at undermining his influence and diminishing opposition groups.
In a post on his verified X account on Thursday, Shehu highlighted what he sees as an orchestrated campaign—both locally and internationally—to profile opposition leaders, including Kwankwaso, in a negative light. He argued that such labels are not accidental but rather part of a broader political scheme.
“Kwankwaso is being labeled an Islamic fundamentalist despite a lack of evidence supporting this claim,” Shehu wrote. “This is designed to reduce his political relevance and weaken the opposition.”
Shehu pointed to a pattern of timing that he believes connects political events with these allegations. He noted that just two weeks following significant political developments—such as consultations abroad, the defection of the Kano State Governor, and discussions about potential running mates—Kwankwaso was labeled as an Islamic fundamentalist.
“This sequence of events resembles a mathematical pattern related to the upcoming 2027 elections,” he stated, suggesting that the timing of these actions is deliberate.
He further elaborated that if the designation of Kwankwaso as an fundamentalist relates to his past signing of the Sharia Criminal Code Law during his tenure, then many Northern state governors who similarly enacted Sharia laws would also deserve that label, including those from Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and others.
Shehu detailed specific associations he made regarding recent events, indicating that they align with the timing of certain political activities and declarations, asserting, “This is not coincidence but a calculated strategy.”
He warned that such profiling could extend beyond Kwankwaso, suggesting other prominent politicians like Atiku Abubakar and Nasiru El-Rufai might face similar accusations in the near future.
Shehu criticized what he termed as a growing narrative among some US political circles and various Nigerian religious groups that seeks to implicate Islam and Muslims in broader societal issues.
“The political desperation in this profiling is unprecedented,” he noted. “It is merely a matter of time before it is rectified.”
He concluded his post with a biblical reference, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond the apparent to understand deeper truths.
