Some former State Governors are being linked to the membership of the newly launched National Movement.
They are Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, Kano; Captain Idris Wada, Kogi; Lucky Ignedion, Edo; Adamu Alero, Kebbi; and Saminu Turaki, Jigawa.
Others are Donald Duke, Cross River; Liyel Imoke, Cross River; Abdulfatah Ahmed, Kwara; Seriake Dickson, Bayelsa; and Murtala Nyako, Adamawa.
The Telegraph has learnt through impeccable sources that some serving governors as well as national lawmakers who belong to the two leading political parties in the country may have indicated interest to join the movement.
Speaking at the official launching of the Movement at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, the National Convener of the group, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso said he and his associates were disturbed by the state of the nation.
Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, National Convener, The National Movement, TNMHe said although most of them were politicians, they have teamed up with nationalists, patriots, intellectuals and professionals on a rescue mission to save Nigeria.
Kwankwaso explained that the desire to rescue Nigeria from the brink, the will to safeguard core national values, restructure the country’s economy and fight corruption led to the decision to set up The National Movement, TNM.
He said the TSM would ensure that Nigeria remains a “land of justice, freedom and equal opportunity” for all.
The Senator sued for the cooperation and collaboration of Nigeria’s foreign partners who were represented at the occasion.
He assured the diplomats of better ties between Nigeria and their home countries.
Kwankwaso revealed that the urge to arrest the drift in the economy, bridge the gap between component parts of the country, prevent insecurity and stop the “dangerous course that Nigeria is headed” gave birth to the movement.
From the run of events, Kwankwaso has at last joined forces with some of his friends and former allies of the incumbent to wrest power from the APC.
Within the PDP there is anger, following the move by the Kano – born politician to create gaping holes in its unity.
Reports say there are moves to throw him out of the party, especially after he said both the APC and the PDP have nothing to offer.
Kwankwaso had said so days before he launched the National Movement. His friends, including Governor Nyesom Wike must be shocked by his deft decision.
The former Governor must be ready for the fierce battle that lies ahead as the two leading parties prepare for war.
Some say some of those who are arrayed on the side of the National Movement have no weight politically.
They probably have names and some vicibillity in the social media space. Some have strong ties with the media.
For so long, Nigerians have been speculating about the third force. The way things seem, they don’t need to look too far.
The third force is apparently here while the PDP and the APC watch closely to see what will happen; but what will become of the Marshall plan that Kwankwaso is promising?
On the social media some are thinking Kwankwaso just forced himself into retirement.
Others are hinting however that the Senator has made the right move. Only time will tell what the future holds for Kwankwaso and the nation.
In the meantime, Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwansiyya movement can on’y hope Nigerians would rally round him.
He is promising to listen to the voices of the masses and assuring them of the restructuring of the country that most yearn for.
They are promises. Will they ever be fulfilled? Will Nigerians take the kind of risk they took with the APC? Will The National Movement live up to its promises?
Who can tell where the pendulum would swing? Nigerians are waiting to see how things woul pan out in the long run.
Kwankwaso and the TNM would be obviously jubilant. Among those who graced the launch were men who shared great ties with the outgoing president.
They included former ministers under President Muhammadu Buhari and other heavyweights such as Simon Dalung, Buba Galadima, Senator Grace Bent and Elder Tanko Yakassai.