The Kwankwasiyya Movement has said it welcomes criticism but will not tolerate what it described as false and defamatory claims against its leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In a statement issued on Wednesday night to DAILY POST, its spokesperson, Habeeb Sale Mohammed, stressed that while democratic engagement allows for differing opinions, there must be a clear distinction between constructive criticism and deliberate falsehood.

“We are open to criticism, but not lies,” the statement said, noting that political leaders are expected to face scrutiny in a democratic society.

The movement said it believes in freedom of expression and the right of Nigerians to hold and express political views.

The statement added that it welcomes criticism when it is constructive, factual and aimed at strengthening democratic culture.

It, however, warned against the spread of what it called malicious allegations.

“There is a clear distinction between legitimate political criticism and the deliberate publication of falsehoods designed to deceive the public, damage reputations, incite hatred or create divisions,” the statement added.

The group said Senator Kwankwaso, who has spent decades in public service, has always shown tolerance and maturity in handling criticism and opposition.

“Neither Senator Kwankwaso nor the Kwankwasiyya Movement is afraid of criticism or political opposition,” it said.

But it maintained that it would not remain silent in the face of what it described as deliberate lies and character assassination.

“We will not fold our arms and watch individuals deliberately manufacture lies, spread malicious allegations or engage in character assassination under the guise of political commentary,” the statement said.

The movement warned that those spreading false claims should be ready to defend them through legal means.

“Any individual or group that intentionally disseminates false and malicious allegations against our leader should be prepared to defend such claims through lawful and appropriate channels,” it said.

It added that freedom of expression comes with responsibility.

“Public discourse must be guided by facts, evidence and honesty. Democracy cannot thrive where falsehood is elevated above truth,” the statement noted.

The movement also stressed that no individual is above the law, regardless of status or position.

“No individual is above the law. No office is too high. No position is too influential. Whether the source of the falsehood is a politician, a cleric, a traditional ruler, a media personality or any other public figure, we shall not hesitate to pursue every lawful remedy available to protect the integrity, reputation and dignity of our leader and our movement,” it added.

The statement further noted that since his emergence as vice-presidential candidate of the NDC, Kwankwaso has been working to build alliances across the country.

It highlighted his relationship with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying their collaboration has inspired hope among Nigerians seeking credible leadership.

“It is not surprising that the growing acceptance of Senator Kwankwaso and the rapid rise of the NDC have become a source of concern to some political interests,” the statement said.

The group accused some individuals of resorting to misinformation and personal attacks instead of engaging in healthy political competition.

“Such malicious and unprovoked attacks will neither distract us nor discourage us from pursuing our vision for a more prosperous and united Nigeria,” it added.

The statement comes in the wake of remarks by Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder and head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, who allegedly made comments during a sermon questioning Kwankwaso’s relationship with Peter Obi.

Ayodele was reported to have said, “Kwankwaso is a fake to Obi, Kwankwaso will betray you. Kwankwaso has been paid to be vice president to Obi.”

Following the comments, Kwankwaso, who is the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), reportedly threatened to institute a N10 billion defamation suit against the cleric over the alleged remarks.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday told party members to get ready for a tough political fight before the 2027 general elections.

Wike said that political power is not given easily; it has to be fought for, sacrificed for, and worked hard for.

He spoke at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, 109th National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, where he he said opposition politics needs strength, good organization, and strong will.

He warned that the party won’t get back to power by relying on luck or just hoping for it.

Using his own political experiences, Wike encouraged candidates not to let pressure, arrests, or legal challenges stop them, saying that political achievements are usually made through facing difficulties.

“Nobody gives power. Power is taken. You have to struggle for it in order to get it. No one gives power, and no one is willing to take it away from you.

“You have to struggle for it. You have to fight for it. “You don’t need to be scared,” Wike said.

The former governor of Rivers State said that even though there are still disagreements within the party and some court cases going on, the PDP is still moving forward with its plans for the election and won’t let legal issues stop them.

“From my point of view, June 26 is the day they will provide the access code to political parties so they can upload the results. Don’t worry, we are good to go.

“No one is scared of the court; courts are for real people, not for ghosts,” he said.

Wike noted that many party members were still having trouble adjusting to life without power, since they had been used to the benefits of being in charge for a long time.

He emphasized that getting back into politics would need a new way of thinking.

“So most of you used to come and take from PDP whenever they were in power, like spoiled children who relied on whatever their father gave them every day.

“It seems your father is sick right now, and there’s no one else to take care of things. You’re thinking that the whole world has come to an end,” he said.