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Kwankwaso: NNPP, PDP, any which way? By Adnan Mukhtar Tudunwada

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Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada ,Analyst

 

It’s no longer news that a former governor of Kano Senator, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is on his way to joining the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP. The former governor, who hinted this to BBC Hausa on Thursday, said that arrangements were in place to defect to the new party.

The NNPP had yesterday dissolved all members of the National Working Committee, State, Local and Ward Exco’s in a move to welcome the leader of Kwankwasiyya Movement.

Mr. Kwankwaso, who commands a large number of supporters, has been a strong man as far as Kano politics is concerned, since 2011 when he was re-elected as governor of the state.

When Mr Kwankwaso defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he held sway in the state. He enjoyed large followership. In fact, his announcement of planned defection to NNPP came to many as a shock. But many analysts and observers became more surprised when the state executives of the PDP under Shehu Wada Sagagi indicated interest to remain in the party even after the formal defection of their leader.

One apparent factor pushing Mr Kwankwaso out of the PDP is his seeming disagreements with party stakeholders from the North-West after they rejected his preferred candidate, Mohammed Jamu Yusuf, as the Zonal Vice Chairman of the party. This was because majority of the party stakeholders from the region had settled for Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, a former Chief Whip of the Senate. During an interview with the BBC Hausa at his residence in Abuja, Mr Kwankwaso had accused Governor Aminu Tambuwal of aiding his opponents from Kano to fight him.

FG charges Dangote Cement tax of N173.93bn for 2021; paid N97.24 billion tax in 2020  

After sensing a possible defeat Mr Kwankwaso, through a pseudonym, filed a suit at a High Court in Zaria under Justice Kabir Dabo to stop the Zonal Congress that was slated for February. Since then, Mr Kwankwaso has been plunged into a political dilemma, hence his search for a political platform to pursue his presidential aspiration and that of his anointed gubernatorial candidate for Kano, Abba Kabir Yusuf of popular Gida-Gida meme.

On February 22nd, Mr Kwankwaso launched a political movement that Nigerians saw as Third Force.

Unfortunately, the movement did not gain traction because the security challenges bedeveiling this country stole the minds of Nigerians at the time of the launching.

In my article titled: ‘The National Movement and Matters Arising’, I dissected the weaknesses of the movement as lacking in the capacity to assemble the required number of electorate to make any meaningful impact in the 2023 general election, let alone assuming the mantle of leadership in this country. From the caliber of the people that gathered at the event, one would be rushed to a conclusion that the movement belongs to the popular saying: Dead on arrival.

Now, to the NNPP issue, the presence of Buba Galadima and Rufai Ahmed Alkali at a meeting with the leadership of the party, and the emergence of Mr Kwankwaso’s loyalist, Umar Haruna Doguwa, as the acting Chairman of the party in Kano, speaks volumes that the former governor had concluded all arrangements to take over the party for his presidential ambition, especially knowing fully well that the two big political parties in the country will not give the chance to do so.

The big question, however, is not about Kwankwaso joining the NNPP but about his motive behind doing so. Could it be that the Senator is out for a mischief against the PDP in Kano State, considering that he is not only a stakeholder but a brand in his own right?

Can Kwankwaso achieve his mission by joining a small platform like the NNPP, or is he only opting out of the PDP in order to hatch his long hidden agenda of destabilizing the party in the state? These answers are better answered by time and patience.

In the final analysis, I believe that Kwankwaso should leave the PDP and leave it for good. He should allow party system to work its course, abandon his plans to hold on to a structure and crop of loyalists in the party who do his biddings even if these biddings are contrary to the dictates of the party. Refusing to heed to this advice will only continue to tarnish his long and outstanding career in politics. With large followers, the Kwankwasiyya Movement is capable of forming a new party. I was amazed seeing Kwankwaso cross-carpeting to a party that he didn’t form himself.

After Kwankwaso formal defection to the NNPP, I envisage that the PDP will dissolve the Kano executives and consider other loyal members that are willing to steer the activities of the party to victory during the 2023 elections.

Sagagi and other executives at all levels should also leave and allow others with fresh ideas and the party at heart to take over. Because it’s obvious that their loyalty is not with the National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu but with Kwankwaso who gave them all to the positions they are occupying. But in politics, you can’t be loyal to two different parties. It’s not only an act of sabotage but anti-party activity, punishable by expulsion.

May Nigeria and Nigerians succeed!

Mr Adnan, a Journalist and Political PR Consultant, wrote in from Lagos.

Politics

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Politics

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

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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.

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