1. The moral backings Seku received from Usman Dan Fodio.
2. Seku’s religious and moral preaching, which centred on brotherhood of the Muslim people.
3. Seku had a well-equipped army. Due to Seku’s religious and moral teachings, he was able to gather a lot of followers/supporters and this enabled him build a very formidable army which he enjoyed throughout the war.
4. Most importantly, the people of Massina were generally dissatisfied with the rulership and/or leadership of the government of the Massina rulers. The rulers were ruthless to their subjects hence they (the Subjects) sought for their (rulers) overthrow.