U.S. Labels Kwankwaso as Fundamentalist to Weaken Opposition

Mahdi Shehu, a political analyst, asserts that the U.S. designation of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as an Islamic fundamentalist is a deliberate political strategy aimed at diminishing his political relevance and weakening opposition groups in Nigeria. Shehu made these remarks following a verified account on Thursday that highlighted the profiles of local and foreign sponsors of opposition leaders, including Kwankwaso.

He emphasized that Kwankwaso's declaration as an Islamic fundamentalist is not a mistake but part of a broader design to undermine his political influence. Shehu drew parallels between recent political maneuvers and mathematical concepts, suggesting that various political events, including consultations and meetings with other governors, are interconnected.

He also indicated that similar labels might be applied to other opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Nasiru El-Rufai. Shehu concluded by criticizing the growing narrative within certain U.S. political circles that aims to blame Islam and Muslims for violence in Nigeria.