In Nigeria’s ever-shifting political landscape, certain figures work quietly but decisively, shaping outcomes from behind the curtains of power.
One such figure is Asiwaju Mashood Shittu (AMS), a man whose political journey has traversed party leadership, coalition building, and strategic campaign management, culminating in his current role as National Coordinator of the Kwankwaso National Network (KNN).
Shittu first emerged as a recognizable name in Nigerian politics as National Chairman of the defunct Alliance National Party (ANP). His stewardship of the ANP was marked by efforts to carve out relevance for the party in a crowded political environment.
Eventually, he guided the ANP into a merger with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), laying the foundation for his lasting alliance with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The merger did not just signal the end of ANP; it also opened a new chapter for Shittu as a strategist in a broader national movement.
During the 2023 presidential election, Shittu was appointed Director-General (North) of Kwankwaso’s campaign, a role that placed him at the heart of the NNPP’s most critical battleground.
His assignment required a fine blend of grassroots mobilization and high-level negotiation, ensuring Kwankwaso’s message resonated across Northern Nigeria.
Insiders say his ability to maintain relationships with traditional rulers, youth organizations, and political stakeholders made him one of the most trusted lieutenants in the Kwankwaso camp.
Today, Shittu is the National Coordinator of the Kwankwaso National Network (KNN), a structure designed to consolidate support for the former Kano governor ahead of the 2027 elections.
The KNN has become a rallying platform for Kwankwaso’s loyalists across the 36 states and the diaspora.
Shittu’s role is both organizational and ideological; keeping the movement cohesive while projecting Kwankwaso as the face of a credible opposition.
Beyond titles, Shittu has positioned himself as one of the most consistent advocates of opposition unity in Nigeria. He has at one time warned against “hurried coalitions” that lack ideological depth, urging instead for credible mergers anchored on integrity and service.
In recent months, he has been outspoken about the 2027 race, insisting that Kwankwaso remains the opposition’s most viable candidate.
In his words, “It is time for other leaders to put Nigeria first and rally behind a man who has both grassroots appeal and governance experience.”
Like every major party, the NNPP has weathered its share of factional controversies. At moments when the party seemed under siege by internal wrangling, Shittu has stood firm, dismissing rumours of division and projecting a united front under Kwankwaso’s leadership.
His knack for calming tensions and framing dissent as “distractions” has helped the NNPP retain stability when it mattered most.
Unlike many politicians who court the limelight, Shittu has built his reputation as a backroom strategist, preferring to let results speak louder than soundbites.
Those who know him describe him as a “bridge-builder” who thrives on negotiations, compromise, and grassroots credibility.
Asiwaju Mashood Shittu has become one of the most consequential tacticians in Nigeria’s opposition politics. His influence may not always make headlines, but it shapes headlines. From helping birth the NNPP to steering Kwankwaso’s presidential campaign, and now coordinating a national network.
As Nigeria edges closer to another election cycle, one thing is certain: AMS voice and strategy will remain central in defining the fortunes of Kwankwaso and the NNPP in the struggle for power.
