By Uche Amunike
The Governor of Kano State and National leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has accused the Kano State Government of allegedly forcing state officials and elected Local Government Chairmen to sign documents indicating their defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He made this allegation in a statement posted on his official social media platforms, where he explained that reports reaching him on the issue, were deeply disturbing.
His words: ‘I have received several reports – some good and some very terrible, indicating that the chemist, state government is compelling state officials and elected Local Government Chairmen to sign either in support of Gandujiyya or Kwankwasiyya.’
He expressed his displeasure on the development, stating that it was unfortunate for a government to descend so low.
He stated: ‘Our supporters should not take this lightly. It is very disturbing that the government would go so low.’
He continued: ‘Since it has reached that level, those local government chairmen and councillors that are being forced to sign the document could go ahead and sign, in order not to be victimized by the government.’
He thanked all the party supporters for their tremendous steadfastness and commitment.
The State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, has however, denied the allegations, stating that nobody was compelled to act against their political wishes, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf believes in freedom of association and membership.
He explained: ‘What exactly happened is that our party is asking everybody, not only government officials, who are willingly ready to join APC to do so, but not compelling anyone, as has been reported.’
Rabiu Kwankwaso has however stated that any consideration to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), must come with clear assurances on the future of the Kano State government and welfare of party supporters.
This announcement was made, Wednesday, at Rabiu Kwankwaso’s Miller Road residence in Kano, during his meeting with leaders and supporters from Rano and Dawakin Tofa Local Government Areas, alongside other Kwankwasiyya groups, who reaffirmed their commitment to the party.
His words: ‘I didn’t say I won’t join APC, but we must first be clearly assured of the future of the Kano State government before we join the APC. What will be the fate of our lawmakers and other supporters before we agree to defect.’
He further recalled past experiences when members of his faction contributed to the formation of governments, only to be eventually sidelined.
He recalled: ‘In the past, we joined and contributed to forming the government, but later we were abandoned. That was why we left the party. Have they now changed their position toward us? Everyone knows the role we played at that time.’
He further maintained that no assurances had been given to guarantee the continuation of the party’s political structure.
Hear him: ‘Up till now, no one has given me a clear assurance that we will be allowed to retain our government and continue with our political structure. I need to know where I stand.’
The meeting was attended by the state Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam Gwarzo; the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Yusuf Kofar Matar; the NNPP Chairman of the Kamo Statw Chapter, Hon. Hashim Suleiman Dingurawa, as well as other top party officials, who publicly expressed their loyalty to Rabiu Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
According to observers, the show of support by major government officials and stakeholders highlighted a widening division within the party and reinforced Kwankwaso’s influence amid the ongoing speculation of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s potential defection to the ruling APC.
Political analysts have said that Rabiu Kwankwaso’s cautious position shows the importance of securing party structures and protecting the interests of loyalists ahead of the 2027 general elections.
