Kwankwaso & Nnamdi Kanu: The Double Standards Shaping Nigerian Politics

From an opnionated perspective, this article is comparing a case of Rabiu Kwankwaso and Nnamdi Kanu: What Their Contrasting Political Fortunes Say About Nigeria.

Early this year, a bill introduced in the U.S. Congress reportedly named Rabiu Kwankwaso and Miyetti Allah among individuals and groups for whom targeted sanctions were proposed over alleged terrorism-related activities.

Yet in Nigeria, there was no significant political consequence or known thorough public investigation. Kwankwaso is now contesting as a vice-presidential candidate under the NDC.

A few years ago, the Nigerian government designated Nnamdi Kanu’s IPOB as a terrorist organisation and reportedly sought international support for the designation. The United States, however, did not designate IPOB as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Today, Nnamdi Kanu is serving a life sentence, while Kwankwaso remains a major political figure, having served two terms as governor and still contesting elections.

Ironically, in 2017, Kwankwaso mocked Kanu’s agitation, suggesting that he could eventually use the movement to mobilise supporters and pursue political ambitions.

If Kwankwaso could view Kanu’s agitation that way, what should Nigerians make of the fact that Kwankwaso himself was later named in a U.S. congressional bill proposing targeted sanctions, yet continues to wield enormous political influence?

Who, then, is galvanising whom?

There are also political organisations and politicians in Nigeria who have featured in international crime or subversion-related proceedings. A Canadian court in 2025 reportedly referenced PDP and APC in connection with terrorism.

So, where do we go from here, Nigerians?

Even our president has faced serious allegations, including claims linking his bank account to narcotics dealings in the United States.

What is our level of sovereignty if those leading us have questionable records or allegations against them internationally?

How can a country build credible leadership when politicians and political organisations repeatedly face serious allegations and international scrutiny, yet these controversies rarely have meaningful consequences at home?

The blame is also on us—the over 200 million people who continue to support and elect such characters into political office.

Our hypocrisy, dishonesty, individual greed, and religious and ethnic biases in choosing leaders could ultimately become our downfall if we continue along this path.