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  • Defections: I’ll laugh last, says Kwankwaso

    Defections: I’ll laugh last, says Kwankwaso

    Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has boasted he will laugh at last in the ensuing defection crisis between him and Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

     Yusuf, who was elected on the platform of Kwankwaso’s NNPP, has decided to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

     But Kwankwaso, an ex- Governor of the state, has disapproved the move, insisting that the Governor should relinquish his position if he must defect.

    The disagreement between the two gladiators has polarised the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement –the umbrella body of all NNPP members in the country.

    As the crack deepens in the NNPP, Kwankwaso, in a viral video, called on his loyalists to engage in massive mobilisation of people from all nooks and cranny of Kano State to join the Movement.

    Kwankwaso, who has reportedly opened a loyalty register, stated this while addressing visiting support groups from various local government areas still loyal to the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

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    While urging supporters to go back to the grassroots and mobilise people, Kwankwaso noted: “This is the most important thing before you as some people are defecting.”

    Kwankwaso, who is being speculated to be interested in joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC), lamented that some people were mocking him and calling him a dying politician, citing the current gale of defections. 

    He however, assured his followers that he would laugh at last.

    He said: “As leaders and representatives of the people, when you go back home, ensure you meet with our supporters and let them know what is before us.

    “I have heard some people mocking at me, calling me a child in politics. I want to assure them that they will see the work of the child soon when the time comes.

    “We have so far received about 21 organisations from across the state and there are others that are going to join us soon. Therefore, you go back home and receive them.”

    Governor Yusuf, who insists defection is his political right based on consultation with the electorate and party stakeholders, returned to the state after his birthday celebration in Abuja, to formally register and obtain his APC membership card.

    Before then, Yusuf will meet with the power bloc of the Kano chapter of the party, led by immediate past Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, it was learnt.

    Already, Ganduje has sent an official invite to Yusuf, assuring him of maximum cooperation.

    January 12 has been fixed for the much talked-about defection ceremony -a strategic decision expected to strengthen the APC’s position while weakening the NNPP in Kano State and striping it of its only governorship seat and potentially reducing its influence and viability as a national party ahead of 2027 general polls. 

  • NNPP rules out Kwankwaso’s defection to APC

    NNPP rules out Kwankwaso’s defection to APC

    • …we’re begging our loyalists not to defect –chairman 

    The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State on Monday clarified that its national leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the party at both state and national levels would not defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite circulating reports.

    Speaking to reporters, NNPP Kano State Chairman Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa acknowledged that some party members were considering defection but stressed that Kwankwaso does not approve of such moves.

    He added that the party is making efforts to persuade members to remain patient and loyal, urging them not to join the APC.

    However, Dungurawa did not address reports suggesting that Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, along with his cabinet, local government chairmen, and other NNPP leaders, had nearly finalised plans to join the ruling party.

    A source claimed that Governor Yusuf has reached an understanding with President Bola Tinubu and is prepared to defect to the APC, even without Kwankwaso’s endorsement.

    “On behalf of the NNPP party in Kano State and at the national level, and all the segments of this blessed movement—such as CRC/Lafiya Jari/Kano Propa/Kwankwasiyya, our teeming youths and women, and patriotic citizens—I wish to inform you that we are aware of the developments happening here in Kano State concerning some individuals who intend to defect to the APC.

    Read Also: Barau receives NNPP chieftains as two defect to APC in Kano

    “I want to make it clear that the Kano State party, the national party, and our national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, together with other leaders, do not approve of what is happening.

    “In fact, we did everything within our power to persuade them to be patient and not defect to the APC, because of our responsibility to them and our responsibility to the people of Kano; however, that has become difficult.

    “Therefore, on behalf of all of us collectively, we once again appeal to them, for the sake of Allah and the Prophet, not to leave this party and not to defect to the party that we have opposed and which the masses and other voters have rejected,” the state chairman said.

    Dungurawa said some members of the party were spreading rumors and trying to pitch the Governor against Senator Kwankwaso.

    “At this point, I would like to say nobody should append their names on any document as being circulated by mischief makers,” he said.

  • Withdraw police from Bayero’s palace, Kwankwaso tells Kano CP

    Withdraw police from Bayero’s palace, Kwankwaso tells Kano CP

    • …reaffirms Sanusi as legitimate Emir of Kano

    Former Kano State Governor and National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on the Kano State Commissioner of Police to withdraw security operatives stationed at the Nasarawa Mini Palace, where the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, is currently residing.

    Kwankwaso made the appeal on Tuesday while speaking at the official launch of the Kano State Government–owned Neighbourhood Watch Corps in Kano. 

    He criticised the continued security presence at the palace, insisting that it contradicts Kano’s traditions and could inflame tensions in the state.

    The call follows the decision of the Abba Yusuf–led state government to sack Bayero and reinstate the formerly dethroned monarch, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as Emir of Kano. 

    Kwankwaso maintained that Sanusi remains the only legitimate emir, warning that the existence of parallel traditional institutions could threaten peace and stability in Kano State.

    “The legitimate Emir of Kano is Muhammadu Sanusi II. He remains the rightful Emir of Kano,” Kwankwaso said.

    The Kano Emirate crisis dates back to March 2020, when then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje dethroned Sanusi II, citing alleged insubordination and political differences. 

    Read Also: Kwankwaso, Yusuf nationalists working for unity, says Idahosa

    Ganduje subsequently split the Kano Emirate into four and appointed Aminu Ado Bayero alongside three others as first-class emirs.

    However, Ganduje’s successor, Abba Yusuf—widely regarded as Kwankwaso’s political protégé—reversed the policy by dissolving the additional emirates through a new law passed by the State House of Assembly. 

    The law restored the unified Kano Emirate and led to the reinstatement of Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    Despite the development, Bayero has insisted that he remains the Emir of Kano. 

    He vacated the main palace and relocated to the Nasarawa Mini Palace after a palace chief, Dan Agundi, approached the court seeking the enforcement of Bayero’s fundamental human rights.

    Kwankwaso has since condemned the deployment of security personnel to maintain Bayero’s stay at the Nasarawa Mini Palace, describing the action as provocative and a potential threat to lasting peace in the state.

  • Kwankwaso, Yusuf nationalists working for unity, says Idahosa

    Kwankwaso, Yusuf nationalists working for unity, says Idahosa

    Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso and Kano Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf have been described as true nationalists working for the unity and cohesion of Nigeria.

    Vice Presidential candidate of the NNPP in the election, Bishop Issac Idahosa said this on Wednesday when he hosted business and religious leaders from Southern Nigeria.

    The delegation was led by the leader of the Southern Development Forum, Pastor Bassey James.

    Idahosa, who returned from Kano where he joined in the birthday celebration of his principal, told his guests that Nigeria would be a lot better with the likes of Kwankwaso and Yusuf.

    He said, “Kwankwaso and the Kano state governor have proven to be true Nigerians whose conducts and actions have demonstrated that tribalism and religion can cannot destroy national Cohesion.

    “Kwankwaso ‘s political ideology has endeared him to the hearts of millions of people across the country.

    “Permit me to say that Kano under  Kwankwaso never witnessed any religious or tribal uprising, same with the present Governor.

     “Their main focus is human Capital development, wealth creation and industrial Revolution and that this the kind of leaders the country needs right now”.

    The clergy cum politician challenged politicians to emulate these statesmen who have impacted effectively on the lives of Nigerians.

    “I also commend President Bola Tinubu for working with all the governors irrespective of their parties.

    “The president have shown great and exemplary Leadership in handling the affairs of our country knowing full well that politics should not divide us.

    Idahosa implored leaders and citizens of various states in the country not to create tension capable of threatening national security, unity and development of the country. 

    He equally appreciated the leaders who visited him and promised to always work with them for  greatest benefits of the people.

  • Gwarzo hails ‘trailblazer in education, leadership’ Kwankwaso at 69

    Gwarzo hails ‘trailblazer in education, leadership’ Kwankwaso at 69

    The President of the Association of Private Universities of Africa, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, has hailed former Kano Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for his lifelong dedication to education, describing it as a lasting legacy for which he will be fondly remembered.

    In a goodwill message on Kwankwaso’s 69th birthday, Professor Gwarzo congratulated him on reaching this remarkable milestone, commending his outstanding contributions to the development of education and human capital in Nigeria.

    “Senator Kwankwaso’s 69 years on earth have been deeply impactful not only to Kano State but to Nigeria and humanity at large. His visionary investment in the education sector has transformed lives and empowered thousands of young people to reach the pinnacle of academic and professional excellence,” Gwarzo said.

    He noted that the many PhD holders, professors, medical doctors, engineers, and other professionals who emerged through Senator Kwankwaso’s scholarship programs are a testament to his enduring legacy in educational development.

    “His commitment to providing access to quality education has elevated countless families and communities. This is the kind of leadership that shapes societies for generations to come,” he added.

     Gwarzo concluded by wishing Senator Kwankwaso continued good health, peace of mind, and more years of impactful service.

    “I heartily congratulate you on your birthday and wish you many happy returns. May your legacy continue to inspire present and future generations.”

  • What Kwankwaso must do before joining APC, by Ganduje

    What Kwankwaso must do before joining APC, by Ganduje

    • I haven’t sent letter to any political party – ex Kano gov

    Immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, yesterday insisted that the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, must follow due process if he wishes to return to the ruling party.

    Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Ganduje made it clear that the party has no objection to the reported move by Kwankwaso to join APC.

    The immediate past Kano governor was responding to Kwankwaso’s reported moves and demands on a possible return and NNPP’s merger with the APC.

    Ganduje was Kwankwaso’s deputy before winning gubernatorial election in 2015 and reelection in 2019, bowing out in May 2023.

    However, Ganduje, emphasised that his predecessor and former benefactor (Kwankwaso), who later had frosty ties with him and left the APC, must accept certain conditions before rejoining the party.

    Fielding questions from BBC Hausa, Ganduje stated that the APC operates by rules and guidelines, and Kwankwaso must comply with them before being admitted.

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    Kwankwaso recently told Hon. Buhari Bakwana, a former adviser on political affairs to Dr. Ganduje and APC grassroots members from the 44 local government areas of Kano State that “We are ready to join APC under strong conditions and promises. We will not allow anyone to use us and later dump us.”

    Kwankwaso added: “Discussions about a merger or return to APC must spell out tangible benefits for my party (NNPP).”

    In his interview with BBC, Ganduje further stated: “We’ve heard about Kwankwaso’s return plans. In democracy, the vote of a thief and that of a cleric carry equal weight. So, we won’t shut our doors to anyone.

    “Anyone who wants to join is welcome, but they must follow due process. We have rules and a constitution. If they return, we’ll welcome them, but we will name it for what it is: they’ve vomited and now they’re licking it back.”

    Despite Kwankwaso’s reported willingness to return to the APC, on “strong promises” from the ruling party, the NNPP national leader yesterday said he has not submitted any letter to the APC or any political party, as reported by Daily Trust.

    The paper had reported that “strong indications emerged lately that former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is in talks with the All Progressives Congress (APC) National chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on plans to join the ruling party.

    And that “sources within the APC in Kano, said Kwankwaso had written to the national secretariat of the APC in Abuja informing the party of his intention to join the party.

    “A source at the APC secretariat in Abuja said Kwankwaso and the APC national chairman have been holding talks in respect of the former’s expected defection and that plans have reached advanced stage.

    “A reliable source within the Kano APC informed our correspondent that Kwankwaso has submitted a set of conditions for his return to the ruling party.

    “The source said the letter was forwarded to the APC national leadership in Abuja, rather than the Kano chapter, due to his lingering rivalry with the state leadership of the party.”

    In his rebuttal on his personal X handle on Friday, Kwankwaso denied writing a letter to any party. He did not deny reports that he was preparing and negotiating to return to the ruling party, on whose platform he won his second term election.

    He also did not deny holding talks with the APC National chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on plans to join the ruling party.

    Kwankwaso said: “We have been alerted to some online statements suggesting that we have submitted a letter of intent to join a political party in the country.

    “We would like to clarify that we have not made any such submission to any party.

    “The public is therefore advised to stay informed of any further information regarding our matter through the established official channels.”

  • 2027: My conditions for rejoining APC, by Kwankwaso

    2027: My conditions for rejoining APC, by Kwankwaso

    • Demands ‘strong promises’ on what NNPP would get

    • Says he and his supporters got nothing under Buhari

    • APC ready to welcome ex-gov – Scribe

    Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has agreed to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on strong terms.

    The NNPP National leader wants “strong promises” from the ruling party and President Bola Tinubu.

    The former Kano governor stated this while speaking to Hon. Buhari Bakwana, a former adviser on political affairs to Abdullahi Ganduje –the immediate past governor of the state.

    Bakwana, a former APC member who had joined NNPP, alongside APC members from the 44 local government areas of Kano State, was with Kwankwaso at his Miller Road residence in Kano on Thursday.

    The Nation gathered Bakwana is among those pressing on Sen. Kwankwaso to return to APC, on whose platform he won his second term election as governor of Kano state.

    During the visit, Kwankwaso reminded his guests he and other key figures played a pivotal role in founding the APC in 2013.

    Lamenting that he along other founders of the ruling APC have borne the brunt of political persecution in the process, Kwankwaso insisted that this time he must get “tangible benefits,” should he join the APC.

    He, however, explained that the NNPP remained willing to engage in fresh negotiations, but warned that it would not accept to be used and dumped.

    Kwankwaso said: “We are ready to join APC under strong conditions and promises. We will not allow anyone to use us and later dump us.

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    “Discussions about a merger or return to APC must spell out tangible benefits for my party (NNPP).”

    “If you are asking us to join APC, you must tell us what NNPP will gain. We have gubernatorial candidates in all the states and full structures nationwide. What will you offer them, if we join?” he asked.

    “Nobody in this country will tell me the burden we took to form APC. We were the ones who led the creation of the party, and we were the first set of seven governors to declare support for it. ICPC, EFCC, and the police were all used against us (me and them), just to stop our plans.”

    The NNPP national leader also recalled the frustrations of past alliances, accusing both APC and PDP of reneging on agreements.

    He also lamented that he  and the other APC founders did not benefit from the Muhammadu Buhari led-APC administration.

    “Eight years of APC under the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari gave us nothing, not even appreciation. In PDP, we asked for just a zonal party chairman, but they refused. We left peacefully and today we are strong, with integrity,” Kwankwaso said.

     Meanwhile, the Kano state chapter of the APC  yesterday expressed its readiness to welcome Kwankwaso back to the party.

    The State Secretary of the party, Zakari Ibrahim Sarina, said the APC will not hesitate to welcome Kwankwaso back, provided he will be law abiding and respect the law and order and principles of the party.

    Alhaji Sarina, however, cautioned that the NNPP National Leader should not think he will return to the ruling party and begin to pursue others for dominance.

    On whether he is afraid of (Kwankwaso’s) dominance and control of party structure in Kano, if the merger is realised, the APC secretary insisted “Kwankwaso has no power to control APC.”

    “Kwankwaso can’t come to APC and control a party that has national spread. APC is not NNPP which he established and controls.

    “We are ready to welcome Kwankwaso back to APC, because his return is an added advantage to the ruling party.

    “Another reason the party will be willing to have him is the peace and tranquility in Kano. We need social and economic development in Kano,” Sarina said.

    Kwankwaso, in July held a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the president’s official residence.

    Addressing State House correspondents at the time, Kwankwaso said he discussed politics and governance with the president.

    He also said he might work with Tinubu, but did not state the details.

    Few days after the meeting, the former  Kano governor  accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of sidelining the northern region, alleging that national resources are being disproportionately channelled towards developing the South, the President’s home region.

    “Let me advise the Federal Government on the distribution of federal resources,” the former Kano governor said on Thursday at the Kano State Stakeholders’ Dialogue on the 2025 Constitutional Amendment.

    “From the information available to us, it’s like most of the national budget is now tilting in one direction in this country,” he added.

    Kwankwaso also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of lopsided allocation of scarce resources between the two regions of the country.

  • I’m not leaving NNPP, says Kwankwaso

    I’m not leaving NNPP, says Kwankwaso

    As political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to take shape, former Kano Governor and 2023 Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that he has no plans to abandon the party.

     Speaking in Abuja at the 9th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the NNPP, Kwankwaso told party members and supporters that contrary to speculation, he was not considering leaving the party.

     “Many people thought today, we will announce whether I will stay in NNPP or go to another party or join some individuals and so on. I think that was not the intention of the meeting,” he said.

     “You have seen the agenda. But let me take this opportunity to tell you that we have our party and we are comfortable. We are happy.

    Read Also: Tinubu meets Kwankwaso’s ally Jibrin at Aso Villa

    “We are ready to do whatever it takes, because we are not in a hurry. Radio Congo is not in a hurry. The members, the leadership and all of us are not in a hurry. We believe that we have something to offer at the end of the day at the highest leadership level in this country. But we want to do it the way it should be done.

     “We are flexible. We are ready to talk to anybody. As far as we are concerned, we are doing our business. We will try and be fair. We will continue to be and ensure that there is fairness for everybody.

    “And that is why I believe in identity membership. More and more people are coming. If there is anything, if there is any negotiation, it will be collective.”

    National Chairman of the party, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, said the NNPP would present Kwankwaso as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

    Ahmed described the NNPP as the “beautiful bride of Nigerian politics and democracy,” stressing that the party was not only waxing strong but had also become one of the most sought-after platforms as preparations for the next general elections intensify.

  • 2027: I’m not leaving NNPP, says Kwankwaso

    2027: I’m not leaving NNPP, says Kwankwaso

    As political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to take shape, former Kano Governor and 2023 Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that he has no plans to abandon the party.

    Speaking in Abuja at the 9th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the NNPP, Kwankwaso told party members and supporters that contrary to speculation, he was not considering leaving the party.

    “Many people thought today, we will announce whether I will stay in NNPP or go to another party or join some individuals and so on. I think that was not the intention of the meeting,” he said.

    “You have seen the agenda. But let me take this opportunity to tell you that we have our party and we are comfortable. We are happy.

    “We are ready to do whatever it takes, because we are not in a hurry. Radio Congo is not in a hurry. The members, the leadership and all of us are not in a hurry. We believe that we have something to offer at the end of the day at the highest leadership level in this country. But we want to do it the way it should be done.

    Read Also: Tinubu meets Kwankwaso’s ally Jibrin at Aso Villa

    “We are flexible. We are ready to talk to anybody. As far as we are concerned, we are doing our business. We will try and be fair. We will continue to be and ensure that there is fairness for everybody.

    “And that is why I believe in identity membership. More and more people are coming. If there is anything, if there is any negotiation, it will be collective.”

    National Chairman of the party, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, said the NNPP would present Kwankwaso as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

    Ahmed described the NNPP as the “beautiful bride of Nigerian politics and democracy,” stressing that the party was not only waxing strong but had also become one of the most sought-after platforms as preparations for the next general elections intensify.

  • Nabena to Kwankwaso: regional sentiments can’t deny Tinubu’s 8-yr presidency

    Nabena to Kwankwaso: regional sentiments can’t deny Tinubu’s 8-yr presidency

    Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Yekini Nabena, has dismissed claims by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso that the South is being favoured in the distribution of federal projects, describing them as attempts to stoke ethnic and regional sentiments ahead of the 2027 elections.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, Nabena said no ethnic, religious, or regional sentiment, such as those allegedly promoted by the 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, can derail the emergence of a Southerner completing eight years in the presidency.

    Reacting to Kwankwaso’s recent comments accusing the federal government of favouring the South over the North in terms of infrastructure and development, Nabena described the former Kano governor’s remarks as a veiled attempt to incite Northern voters against the current administration.

    He said, “Such incitement as a political business or negotiation tactic, like some politicians used in 2019 and 2023, can no longer work. The people now know the real intention. Kano voters now understand who is using them for political gains, and even political gladiators now recognise the tricks of political merchants.”

    The Bayelsa-born APC chieftain further challenged Kwankwaso to travel through the South-South by road and compare the conditions of road networks in the oil-rich region to those in the North.

    Nabena maintained that completing eight years of Southern leadership in Aso Rock is non-negotiable and reflects the principle of fairness and balance in Nigeria’s power structure.

    He said, “Is the north inferior or superior to the South after eight years of the north in the helm of affairs of Nigeria? Why is Senator Kwankwaso still complaining of under-development in the North when the region just completed it’s 8 years? One will also wonder which of the northern money or resources was used to develop the South? Is it the Gold, Rice or Groundnut pyramid? 

    Read Also: Tinubu-Kwankwaso alliance talks not unusual, says presidential aide

    “As politicians, we all understand what the former Governor is up to. He is working hard to incite the North against the Southern presidency but that has failed woefully because the South must complete the 8 years in the presidency for fairness and equity.” 

    The former APC spokesman, however, declared that Kwankwaso cannot and do not have capacity to intimidate the South ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

    “You cannot intimidate the South or anybody with Kano votes any longer because as a politician we all know the game and what you are up to. The era of playing religious or ethnic cards is far becoming unfashionable,” Nabena warned.