Kano Erupts: Youths Incinerate Kwankwasiyya Caps Over Kwankwaso's Obi Endorsement
Youths in Kano State's Kiru local government area were filmed burning red caps associated with the Kwankwasiyya Movement, following Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso's support for Peter Obi. The Kwankwasiyya movement dismisses the incident as a staged act by political opponents, alleging hired participants and a desperate attempt to counter their growing popularity.
An incident unfolded in the Kiru local government area of Kano State, where several youths were reportedly seen setting red caps, traditionally associated with the Kwankwasiyya Movement, on fire. This action is said to be a direct consequence of former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso's expressed support for the 2027 NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for whom Kwankwaso serves as a running mate. This development occurred shortly after political parties and candidates had signed a peace accord, marking the commencement of presidential and national Assembly campaigns.
A viral video circulating on social media captured the scene, showing youths gathered on a street, repeatedly chanting, “We should burn it,” before proceeding to ignite the red caps. The video, spanning approximately three minutes and 19 seconds, also depicted onlookers wearing red caps featuring President Bola Tinubu’s infinity symbol, observing the incident. The event has ignited accusations that the act was sponsored by Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, the member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; however, these allegations remain unverified.
Reacting to these events, Habibu Mohammed, the spokesperson for the Kwankwasiyya movement, vehemently dismissed the incident, characterizing it as a staged performance orchestrated by political adversaries. Mohammed stated, “There were gatherings in Kiru under the APC, or rather under the member there, and they chose to display something which is not exactly what it is. Anybody can buy any cap and put a light on it and claim to be either a former member with this and that. This is not the first time it has happened.”
Mohammed further alleged that similar incidents had occurred previously, claiming that individuals were often hired and paid sums ranging from N1,000 to N2,000 to participate. He mentioned that some of these allegedly hired participants later protested due to unfulfilled payment promises. The Kwankwasiyya spokesperson described the latest incident as a “desperate attempt” to counteract what he perceives as the burgeoning popularity of the Kwankwasiyya movement within Kano State. He added, “Most of them resort to buying the red caps, hiring people and staging some sort of drama to show that they are catching up with the growing momentum of the party in the state.” Attempts to solicit a response from Auwalu Soja, the Kano State APC spokesperson, proved futile, as he did not answer calls or reply to messages.