fbpx
Connect with us

Politics

Kwankwaso’s Rising Popularity Unsettles Political Opponents

Published

on

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

 

 

By Abdulmalik Suleiman

 

There appears to be some form of unease within the two dominant political parties of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the rising popularity of former Kano State Governor, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

 

Kwakwanso is a two-term governor of Kano State who had in the past contested the presidency twice on the platform of the two opposing political platforms in 2015 and 2019.

 

Though he has not signified his intention to contest in 2023, gladiators in the two political parties have been in the high frenzy over the rising popularity of the leader of the Kwankwassiya movement regarding the rumored bid and what it (the bid) portends for their own aspirations should the former federal lawmaker decide to throw his hat into the ring.

We Will Not Tolerate Inconclusive Elections In 2023-Kwankwaso

Sources close to the former Minister of Defence stated that Kwankwaso has become the toast of the leadership of the two political parties who have been wooing him to be in their respective platforms ahead of the forthcoming poll.

 

According to sources, the reason for this might not be unconnected to the grassroots appeal of the former governor, which they (sources) claim to be close to the type enjoyed by incumbent Muhammadu Buhari pre-2015 when he was the toast of the commoners in the North.

 

“The followership of Kwankwaso in the North can only be compared to that enjoyed by General Muhammadu Buhari in the North before the 2015 general elections,” a source said, adding that no political party worth its salt would toy with the possibility of having the former governor within its fold in the build-up to the forthcoming election.

 

It’s said that a famous ambassador in Kwankwaso’s home state was contracted to sow the seeds of discord in PDP by floating an illegal factional leadership in the state to create squabbles and instability in the party in order to distract Kwankwaso presidential bids.

 

Tongues are wagging that the state governor and some powerful PDP chieftains were behind the several plots to make PDP comatose in Kano and render Kwankwaso irrelevant. But all the plots have collapsed like a house of cards owing to an appeal court ruling fortnight ago that affirms the wards, LG, and state congresses of Kwankwaso’s faction and endorsed by the national body of the PDP.

 

Findings reveal that the cult-like followership of the former Senator has prompted one of the front liners in the PDP and former Vice President of the country, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to begin moves to wrest the presidential ticket of the party from Kwakwanso.

 

Top members of the PDP liken the decision of the former vice president to kick start his presidential bid in 2023 with the launch of his various support groups recently as largely due to the influence of Kwakwanso whom many people in the party see as the viable alternative to the Adamawa born Atiku who had tried about trice to clinch the plum office in the past.

 

Members of the PDP see Kwakwanso as the viable alternative to Atiku whom many see as having passed his prime with less appeal to the grassroots compared to the Kano-born politician.

 

Though the third popular northern candidate seems to be Sokoto State governor, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal who is said to come a distant third in the ranking, the race for the ticket of the PDP seems to have been narrowed down to Atiku and Kwakwanso.

 

“PDP is desirous of staging a comeback to power and the only viable politician who can make that happen is Kwakwanso. He has that grassroots appeal that no party can deny or toy with. We know this in the PDP and we won’t joke with it.” A member of the National Working Committee of the party stated recently.

 

Sources within the PDP stated that though the party has not stated expressly where the Presidential slot would be zoned to but the calculations are that wherever it would be, Kwakwanso would feature prominently in the arrangement either as the major or junior partner in the ticket.

 

Kwakwanso’s grassroots appeal is also generating serious ripples in the APC as top members of the party are also said to be looking at his direction in the build-up to the poll.

Breaking: Foremost Nigerian Scholar Sheikh Ahmad Lemu  Died at 94

Some members of the party are said to have reached out to the former minister with a view to returning him back to the APC which he was a founding member with a view to bringing him on board as the third force in the already divided party.

 

“We know the importance of Kwakwanso in the nation’s political circle. We know how potent his Kwakwassiyya Movement is not only in the North but across the country. We are making concerted efforts to bring him back on board to see how we can make him the flag bearer of the party in 2023,” a source within the party said.

 

 

Politics

Gov. Gida-Gida and Ganduje: The Firing of Unwarranted Political Salvos-Adamu Aminu

Published

on

Former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Successor Abba Kabir Yusuf

 

By Adamu Aminu.

It is extremely disheartening to see how recently our two elder statesmen, the Kano state Governor, His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusif, politically known as Abba Gida-Gida, and his immediate predecessor, the ex-Kano and present APC National chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, are busy exchanging salvos directly at each other.

The exchanges of verbal brawls through their spokesmen emanated shortly after Governor Abba Kabir Yusif inaugurated two judicial commissions of inquiry to investigate cases of misappropriation of public property, political violence, and missing persons from 2015 to 2019 to 2023.

It was unfortunate; all the accusations and counter-accusations from both sides were riddled with harsh and demeaning words, deemed unrepeatable and unworthy to come from our respected leaders who are beating chests of leading Kano, the state that has reached the zenith of political maturity in the whole nation.

I was automatically dumbfounded by how the exchanged salvos and political sarcasm were randomly so directed at each other, without revisiting the fact that history never lies; someday, posterity will judge them.

This comes at a time when the warring parties should set aside their differences and make Kano their concern and priority, but they resorted to opening the doors of all blackmailing arsenals at their disposal, overtly directed at each other, without knowing that their utterances and accusations are doing more harm than good to Kano state in general.

This came at a time when our counterpart States in the South, like Lagos, Rivers, and others, have already set politics aside and deeply engaged in the execution of developmental projects for their people, but Kano, a state of whole-tenure politics, is dragging feet towards the fulfillment of promises during electioneering campaigns.

At this time when most Kano industries are not functional, there is no portable water, unemployment, poverty, hunger, and thuggery clogging the wheels of Kano’s economic development, instead, they resorted to engaged in trading bitter words and pointing accusing fingers at themselves.

I think it’s time for our Excellency, the state governor Abba Kabir Yusif, and his predecessor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to wake up from their slumbers and stop demeaning themselves politically.

Trading accusations of one’s incompetence, docility, and another’s accusation of land grabbing and rat-like behavior is not the utmost priority for Kano populace.

It’s time to stop deceiving ourselves with the longstanding Kano praise “Kano Tumbin Giwa, Ko dame Kazo An Fika,” which means Kano, the melting pot, whatever you came along with, you’re far left behind. Kano state in this modern era deserves to be far from where it is now.

I do hope and pray that Governor Abba and his predecessor Ganduje make Kano and Kanawas their utmost priority. They are our role models, exchanging incendiary remarks with each other will show that politics isn’t only a dirty game, it’s a dirty war of raining curses and abuses.

They should know that someday around this time, they will be no more; only their legacies will make them immortal in the memory of Kano populace.

Continue Reading

Politics

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Is The Head of All Political Parties in Kano-Dala

Published

on

In a surprising turn of events following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recent victory at the Supreme Court, Anas Abba Dala, a former APC chieftain and a devoted supporter of the Governor, has declared that Governor Yusuf is now the de facto head of all political parties in Kano. This assertion includes the APC, the NNPP, and the PDP.

Speaking exclusively to Kano based radio station Freedom Radio, Anas Abba Dala expressed his conviction that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Supreme Court triumph has positioned him as a unifying figure transcending party lines. Dala, who was once a prominent member of the APC, emphasized the significance of the Governor’s victory in unifying Kano’s political landscape.

In the interview, Dala highlighted the historical context of Governor Yusuf’s political journey, acknowledging the Governor’s ability to garner support across party lines. He commended the Supreme Court’s decision, declaring it a victory for not only the PDP but for all political parties in Kano.

Anas Abba Dala’s statement reflects a shifting political narrative, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership is perceived as a unifying force that transcends partisan affiliations. The Supreme Court’s validation of the Governor’s victory serves as a catalyst for a renewed sense of political collaboration and cooperation in Kano.

While this declaration is likely to stir conversations within the political sphere, it underlines the potential for a more inclusive and cooperative political landscape in Kano under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership. As the news of this assertion spreads, it will be interesting to observe how political dynamics in Kano evolve in response to this declaration of unity across party lines.

Continue Reading

Politics

Non-indigenes in Kano Unite in Prayer for Dr Nasir Gawuna’s Success at Supreme Court

Published

on

Honourable Seyi Olorunsola, a prominent APC stalwart and Opinion Leader in Kano, has mobilized the non-indigenous Christian community to fervently pray for the success of Dr Nasir Gawuna, the APC candidate, in an impending Supreme Court hearing. This legal battle arises from the NNPC’s appeal, led by Governor Abna Yusuf, challenging the results of the March 18, 2023, Gubernatorial elections in Kano State.

At a prayer conference organized by Honourable Seyi, the non-indigenous Christian community gathered to intercede for Dr Nasir Gawuna, seeking divine intervention in the pursuit of reclaiming his mandate. Honourable Seyi urged attendees to persevere in prayer until victory is secured and cautioned against potential interference, notably mentioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the need to remain unaffected by NNPP propaganda aiming to undermine the APC administration.

Expressing gratitude to the judiciary for upholding the rule of law, Honourable Seyi emphasized the crucial role of the judiciary in ensuring justice. He encouraged them to remain vigilant until justice is unequivocally served, highlighting the commitment to a fair and impartial legal process, free from external influences.

Addressing NNPP concerns about the legitimacy of the APC victory, Honourable Seyi reassured the public of the APC’s commitment to the democratic process. The call for prayers from the non-indigenous Christian community not only testifies to their faith but also demonstrates solidarity with Dr Nasir Gawuna.

The prayer conference also included appeals for peace and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria at large, emphasizing a broader vision for a united and flourishing nation. The collective hopes extend beyond the immediate political context, envisioning a Kano and Nigeria where peace prevails, prosperity thrives, and democratic principles are upheld.

Honourable Seyi Olorunsola’s call for a prayer conference reflects not just the intensity of the political situation in Kano but also underscores the significance of faith and unity during times of uncertainty.

Continue Reading

Trending