By Musa Baba Adamu
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has vowed to explore all legal avenues to defend the reputation of its leader and vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, following controversial comments allegedly made by cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele.
The movement’s spokesperson, Habeeb Sale Mohammed, in a statement warned that individuals or groups spreading what it described as false and malicious allegations against Kwankwaso would be compelled to substantiate such claims through lawful channels.
The group maintained that while it respects freedom of expression and welcomes constructive criticism, it would not tolerate deliberate misinformation aimed at damaging the image of its leader.
According to the statement, democracy thrives on accountability and open debate, but public discourse must be anchored on facts rather than unfounded accusations.
The movement stressed that freedom of speech carries responsibilities and should not be used as a cover for character assassination.
Defending Kwankwaso’s record, the group noted that the former Kano governor has consistently demonstrated tolerance towards criticism throughout his decades-long political career.
It insisted that neither Kwankwaso nor his supporters are intimidated by opposition but would resist efforts to tarnish his reputation through what it called calculated falsehoods.
The statement further emphasized that no individual, regardless of social standing or influence, is beyond the reach of the law.
It declared that politicians, clerics, traditional rulers, media personalities and other public figures could face legal consequences if found to be spreading defamatory claims.
The warning comes amid reports that Primate Ayodele questioned the sincerity of Kwankwaso’s relationship with NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, alleging that the former governor could betray the opposition alliance.
The cleric was also reported to have claimed that Kwankwaso had been paid to accept the vice-presidential position.
