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Tag: Kwankwaso

  • Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi: Tragedy of false alliance

    Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi: Tragedy of false alliance

    The proposed opposition merger talks or collaboration may have collapsed. At least, for now, it has suffered a major setback.

    The targets or anticipated partners are declining involvement and endorsement. There is no commitment to an agenda that is not clear.

    Within four days, two principal opposition figures – Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) – have either disowned or dissociated themselves from the imaginary alliance being proposed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Atiku has not reacted to the remarks by the two leaders. Neither has he repudiated the alliance, regarded as being schemed to make him presidential candidate, for the seventh time.

    Kwankwaso said he is not interested in any parley with Atiku and Obi. Obi is saying he has no hand in any talk with anybody.

    Read Also: Ubi Franklin hails Tinubu’s New Year speech

    Political marriage could be hectic. That is really the nature of alliance talks. It can flounder midway. Politicians would weigh their chances and calculate the risks.

    An alliance, politically speaking, implies a plot, particularly against the ruling party. Essentially, it is always challenging. A key factor in alliance, fusion, accord, or merger by parties is the similarity of ideas. Another factor is the resolve to succeed. But the greatest factor is public support required to drive a sort of movement.

    The question is: how similar are the ideas, focus and direction of LP and PDP, NNPP and PDP, and LP, NNPP and PDP? Can there be a graduation to a collective idea and focus?

    The trio of Atiku, Kwankwaso and Obi were in PDP before. At various times, they defected, which means that they have grievances against the party. Only Atiku has been staying on in the party after retracing his steps. What new thing can suddenly bring them together? Is merely fighting the All Progressives Congress (APC) led-Federal Government enough criterion?

    For now, with LP and NNPP out of calculations, only consultations with much smaller parties can be attempted in a bid to fill the huge gap.

    Kwankwaso, who ruled out the prospect of collaboration and power sharing deal with Atiku and Obi cited lack of trust as his reason. He said the speculation was a ruse.

    Kwankwaso also said that he was not ready to fall for the unpardonable deception and antics of the PDP, which led to the defection of many big wigs from the platform. Without mentioning names, he alleged that some politicians, who never did anything tangible for the North, are working hard to manipulate sentiments across the northern states in a desperate bid for power in 2027.

     Kwankwaso even said any discussion on 2027 politics could distract the federal and state governments.

    Kwankwaso recalled that the desperate and selfish agenda of certain PDP leaders forced him and Obi  to leave the party.

     He pointed out that a similar scenario is being re-enacted in a bid to manipulate sentiments and corner the support of the North.

     More than Kwankwaso, Obi appears to be in a precarious situation. He is leaning on LP, a borrowed platform. The party is not in a position to respond to an offer of alliance. It is divided and weakened by leadership tussle.

    Obidient movement, which is the main pillar and strength of Obi, has no footing in the party. Members are scattered and not coordinated. There is nothing that can actually attract them to PDP.

    Besides, there is a clash of ambitions and egos. Can Atiku, who will be 81 years old in 2027, step down for Obi? Can he make the sacrifice? What would be the reaction of his followers? Can Obi accept to be Atiku’s running mate again? Would that not be infuriating to the obedients who would demand nothing less than a presidential ticket?

    In the power sharing deal, what would be the place of the Kano power broker, Kwankwaso?

  • 2027: Damagu replies Kwankwaso, says PDP not dead

    2027: Damagu replies Kwankwaso, says PDP not dead

     …says PDP still the best option for opposition

    Despite criticisms from former party members, including Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is alive and remains the strongest opposition force in Nigeria, according to the PDP’s acting national chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliyas Damagum.

    Speaking on BBC Hausa Service on Tuesday, Damagum asserted that PDP remains a strong presence on Nigeria’s political landscape, adding that most of those who left the party are now realizing that it is only PDP which made them into national figures that can offer them a truly national platform to contest.

    Damagum also wondered why any of those whose departure never led to the PDP’s death would now be assuming that the party is irrelevant.

    Addressing Kwankwaso’s criticisms of alleged deceit within the PDP, Damagum pointed out that the truth is no other party has contributed to Kwankwaso’s political career as the PDP has. 

    He expressed hope that Kwankwaso might eventually return to the party, contributing to its revitalization and helping address the challenges posed by the current administration.

     “PDP nurtured him (Kwankwanso) and contributed significantly to his political success; we still have hope that he might return to the party and contribute to its rejuvenation, so we can collectively address the injustices of the current government,” Damagum said. 

     According to Damagum, it is completely erroneous for anyone in Nigeria to assume that PDP is losing its relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape. 

     He emphasized that the party remains the only political party that is capable of winning elections against the current ruling party.

    “Every member has the right to express their opinion but let me remind him that when he left the party in 2015, despite the challenges we faced then, the PDP never died; if the party could survive his exit then, why would anyone think it is irrelevant now?”  

    Read Also: PDP Northcentral stakeholders push for Damagum’s replacement

    “PDP is the only party that has consistently won elections without being in power; Senator Kwankwaso may have left, but how many states did he win with his new party? The facts speak for themselves,” Damagum added.

     Damagum emphasized the PDP’s resilience and long-standing influence, citing its enduring structure and presence in all local government areas and geo-political zones across Nigeria. 

     “For over two decades, the PDP has remained steadfast, maintaining its identity and producing governors and lawmakers in every part of the country; even if four parties merge without the PDP, they cannot win an election.

     “We’ve seen this play out repeatedly; where are those parties now? Even their alliances with other parties have not delivered the desired results,” he stated.  

     The acting chairman also addressed some of the grievances that led to Kwankwaso’s departure, noting efforts made to resolve internal conflicts at the time. 

     “I admit that some of his claims about the challenges we faced back then are valid.

     As the Deputy National Chairman (North) at the time, my powers were limited, but we tried to resolve the issues. Unfortunately, those efforts fell short. He himself acknowledged this in previous interviews,” Damagum said.  

     Despite these differences, Damagum expressed optimism about a possible reconciliation with former PDP members like Kwankwaso. 

    “The PDP played a significant role in his political career, shaping him into the leader he is today. We remain hopeful that he will return to the party and join us in addressing the injustices Nigerians face under the current administration,” he added.  

     Damagum assured that the PDP remains open to welcoming back many dissatisfied members who left the party the way Kwankwanso did.

      “By God’s grace, we will reach out to him soon. I understand his frustrations, but I also know it will be difficult for him to achieve his aspirations where he is now.

     “The PDP has always been a party that supports its members and ensures they are given the opportunity to thrive,”  he stated.

    Kwankwaso had recently criticized some PDP leaders while also expressing anger how he was humiliated by the party in 2015 that led to his departure from the party. 

     In his response, Damagum questioned the impact of Kwankwaso’s move to another party, adding,

      Damagum emphasized the PDP’s resilience and long-standing influence, citing its enduring structure and presence across Nigeria. 

     “For over two decades, the PDP has remained steadfast, maintaining its identity and producing governors and lawmakers in every part of the country. Even if four parties merge without the PDP, they cannot win an election. We’ve seen this play out repeatedly. Where are those parties now? Even their alliances with other parties have not delivered the desired results,” he stated.  

     The acting chairman also addressed some of the grievances that led to Kwankwaso’s departure, noting efforts made to resolve internal conflicts at the time. 

     “I admit that some of his claims about the challenges we faced back then are valid. As the Deputy National Chairman (North) at the time, my powers were limited, but we tried to resolve the issues. Unfortunately, those efforts fell short. He himself acknowledged this in previous interviews,” Damagum said.  

    It would be recalled that on Monday, Senator Kwankwaso who was the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election told the BBC Hausa Service that despite increasing speculations about a 2027 political pact with both former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, he would have nothing to do with such moves.

     Kwankwaso also lamented that series of unpardonable deception forced him and others out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and expressed disgust that some politicians, including those who never did anything tangible for the North are working hard to manipulate sentiments across the northern states in a desperate bid towards seizing political power in 2027.

    “I got information from sources purporting that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and I have met but what I know is that nobody contacted me and I have not spoken with Atiku.

    “Also, I have not spoken with Peter Obi because I decided that until the end of this year 2024), it is better to allow state governments and the Federal Government to work for the people and apply their wisdom in governance.

     “The most annoying thing is I that heard from a source the latest I heard that some people in the PDP told a group of about 45 (Islamic) scholars that there is a consensus that Atiku will rule for four years, Kwankwaso will subsequently rule for four years and Peter Obi, eight years; this is totally a lie, it is not true.

    “This has infuriated me: why is it that elder statesmen in their 70s, 80s, will be spreading such lies to these scholars about something that has never existed?

     “Such statements and deceits were part of things that made me and some other people leave the (PDP) party and now they have destabilised the party,” the former governor stated.

  • 2027: I have nothing to do with Atiku, Obi, says Kwankwaso

    2027: I have nothing to do with Atiku, Obi, says Kwankwaso

    Plans by leading opposition politicians to evolve a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the next presidential poll suffered a setback yesterday.

    The leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, ruled out the prospect of collaboration and power sharing deal with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, citing lack of trust.

     He dismissed what he described as increasing speculations about a 2027 pact with Atiku, who ran for president on the platform of PDP in last year’s election, and his LP counterpart, Obi,  saying that it is a ruse.

    Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso were prominent PDP chieftains before they defected from the party at different times. Only Atiku has returned and stayed on in the party.

    Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and NNPP 2023 presidential candidate,  said he was not ready to fall for the unpardonable deception and antics of the PDP, which led to the defection of many big wigs from the platform.

    He lamented that some politicians, including those who never did anything tangible for the North, are working hard to manipulate sentiments across the northern states in a desperate bid for political power in 2027.

     Kwankwaso, who fielded questions on a Hausa BBC programme, denied any meeting with Atiku and Obi for the purpose of exploring opportunities for political cooperation.

    The NNPP leader said any discussion on 2027 politics could distract the federal and state governments from focusing on governance.

    He said: “I got information from sources purporting that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and I have met. But what I know is that nobody contacted me and I have not spoken with Atiku.

     “Also, I have not spoken with Peter Obi because I decided that until the end of this year 2024, it is better to allow state governments and the Federal Government to work for the people and apply their wisdom in governance.”

    Denying any involvement the rumoured power sharing plot, Kwankwaso said it was a lie.

    In what is believed to be a veiled reference to Atiku, Kwankwaso said it was worrisome that an octogenarian elder statesmen could regress to lying.

     He stressed: “The most annoying thing is that some people in the PDP told a group of about 45 (Islamic) scholars that there is a consensus that Atiku will rule for four years, Kwankwaso will subsequently rule for four years and Peter Obi, eight years; this is totally a lie, it is not true.

     “This has infuriated me: why is it that elder statesmen in their 70s, 80s, will be spreading such lies to these scholars about something that has never existed?

     “Such statements and deceits were part of things that made me and some other people leave the (PDP) party and now they have destabilised the party.”

    Kwankwaso recalled that the desperate and selfish agenda of certain PDP leaders forced him and Obi  to leave the party.

    Read Also: APC to Kwankwaso: No room for Kano NNPP to manipulate votes in 2027

     He pointed out that a similar scenario is being re-enacted in a bid to manipulate sentiments and corner the support of the North.

    Kwankwaso said: “For me to accept any alliance arrangements, we have to go back to history; I understand PDP in totality. I know that their plan is to procure a party or be beating around the bush in other parties, bring us together to make northerners vote for them.

    “But what we are asking them is: ‘what have they done for the North before?’ These are the kind of things that will come into play.

    Kwankwaso doubted the prospect of collaborating with PDP leaders who humiliated and forced him out of the party.

     He said: “To my mind, we have witnessed the worst of humiliation from these people; we love the party, we wanted to rejig it so that we can all prosper. But they made us to leave by force.

    “Kwankwaso left, Peter Obi left, Wike left (the FCT minister is still in PDP) and others left too and there is no estimate of the number of those who left; yet they are the same people coming now to the fore, expressing interest in being made President (in 2027)”

    The NNPP leader said “even if all that such persons can do now is to express remorse or seek forgiveness, it won’t change the fact that people like him had been deceived and humiliated in the past.”

    He added: “If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man’s life, sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.”

  • 2027: Kwankwaso denies alleged pact with Atiku, Obi

    2027: Kwankwaso denies alleged pact with Atiku, Obi

    ‘Wike, Obi and I were among many who were deceived in PDP’

    Former Kano State Governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Alhaji Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed increasing speculation about a political pact in 2027 with both former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.

    Speaking to a BBC Hausa language programme on Monday, Kwankwaso, who lamented that a series of unpardonable deceptions had forced him and others out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also expressed disgust that some politicians, including those who have never done anything tangible for the North, are working hard to manipulate sentiments across the northern states in a desperate bid to seize political power in 2027.

    “I got information from sources purporting that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and I have met, but what I know is that nobody contacted me, and I have not spoken with Atiku.

    “Also, I have not spoken with Peter Obi because I have decided that until the end of this year (2024), it is better to allow state governments and the federal government to work for the people and apply their wisdom in governance.

    “The most annoying thing is that I heard from a source the latest I have heard that some people in the PDP told a group of about 45 (Islamic) scholars that there is a consensus that Atiku will rule for four years, Kwankwaso will subsequently rule for four years and Peter Obi, eight years; this is totally untrue; it is not true.

    “This has infuriated me: why is it that elder statesmen in their 70s and 80s will be spreading such lies to these scholars about something that has never existed?

    “Such statements and deceits were part of the things that made me and some other people leave the PDP, and now they have destabilised the party,” the former governor stated.

    Pointing out that a desperate and selfish agenda forced him and people like Peter Obi, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and many others to leave the PDP, Kwankwaso lamented that a similar scenario is now being re-enacted to manipulate sentiments and garner Arewa support.

    “For me to accept any alliance arrangements, we have to go back to history; I understand the PDP in totality, I know that their plan is to procure a party or be beating about the bush in other parties, bringing us together to make northerners vote for them.

    Read Also: APC to Kwankwaso: No room for Kano NNPP to manipulate votes in 2027

    “But what we are asking them is: ‘what have they done for the North before?’ These are the kind of things that will come into play.

    “To my mind, we have witnessed the worst humiliation from these people; we love the party, we wanted to rejig it so that we could all prosper, but they made us leave by force.

    “Kwankwaso left, Peter Obi left, Wike left and others left too, and there is no estimate of the number of those who left; yet they are the same people now coming to the fore, expressing interest in being made President (in 2027),” he said, adding that even if all such persons can do now is express remorse or seek forgiveness, it won’t change the fact that people like him had been deceived and humiliated in the past.

  • APC to Kwankwaso: No room for Kano NNPP to manipulate votes in 2027

    APC to Kwankwaso: No room for Kano NNPP to manipulate votes in 2027

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday warned Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso that it will not allow the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to manipulate votes in Kano state in the 2027 general election, as it did to defeat APC in the last election.

    Kano State APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, described as laughable the claim by Kwankwaso that he would significantly reduce the votes of APC in Kano in the 2027 polls.

    Abbas was reacting to Kwankwaso’s declaration while receiving some former councillors and senior special advisers, who served under Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, during a meeting in his Kano residence with stakeholders from Tsanyawa Local Government Area.

    Kwankwaso was quoted as saying: “Now, it’s our turn to diminish APC’s influence. We will work tirelessly to ensure their votes are reduced to less than 15,000 in Kano come  2027.”

    In his reaction, the APC chairman told Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano, “to stop daydreaming and channel his energies towards reclaiming his NNPP membership.”

    He described Kwankwaso as “a political refugee who has chosen to cling to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf like a leech in a futile attempt to regain relevance in the scheme of things in the country.”

    The APC warned Kwankwaso and the NNPP that it would not allow a repeat of the “vote manipulation and allocation during the 2023 general elections that created the impression that the NNPP is well-rooted in Kano State.”

    Kwankwaso has also stated that his party “NNPP achieved this remarkable feat despite being a new political platform coupled with the late start of its campaign.”

    Read Also: Kwankwaso gets his reshuffle wish

    But Abbas said: “Our teeming supporters in the APC have no cause to worry about Kwankwaso who has been booted out of NNPP due to his cluelessness and self-centeredness.

    “We expect Kwankwaso to keep wondering why he has become a wanderer in the political terrain.

    “He ran away from APC because he couldn’t fit into our progressive ideals. His over-bloated ego and domineering posture forced him to abandon the PDP and he has now become a political refugee because the NNPP refused to accommodate him.”

    The APC chairman assured that “the party (APC) is already waiting to reclaim the state and save Kano people from the undue influence of Kwankwaso.”

  • Kwankwaso gets his reshuffle wish

    Kwankwaso gets his reshuffle wish

    In mid-October, there were stirrings in Kano State about an impending cabinet reshuffle ordered by New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and Kwankwasiyya Movement leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The shake-up was planned to offload the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, and the Commissioner for Transportation, Muhammad Diggol, and possibly too Information commissioner Baba Dantiye. The first two, in particular, were thought to be the arrowheads of the plot to unhorse the former governor by instigating Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to wean himself off the former governor. They coined a Hausa phrase to capture the ‘war effort’, to wit, ‘Abba Tsaya da Kafarka’ meaning, Abba stand on your feet. Incensed, Mr Kwankwaso reportedly asked for their dismissal from the cabinet. The governor stalled, insisting there was no rift in his administration, and he was still loyal to his mentor. The former governor would, however, not answer any question relating to the rumour. (See Palladium, October 20, 2024).

    Read Also: First Lady to Nigerians: dream big and love your country

    Late last week, perhaps unable to endure the pressure any further, the governor wielded the big stick, sacked the SSG and the Transport commissioner, and threw in a number of other hapless victims in a big and ramifying cabinet reshuffle. Mr Kwankwaso at last got his wish. He couldn’t care less what anyone thought or said. He is determined to hold on to the state and, despite mouthing many highfalutin phrases about democracy, including deriding the Tinubu administration’s democratic credentials, he would brook no opposition to his suzerainty. Governor Yusuf is just being sensible and tactical. No one can doubt that all is not well in the state. For now, the fight has merely been postponed. It will flare up again, sometime later, but unavoidably. 

  • As cheap as Kwankwaso

    As cheap as Kwankwaso

    Were a teacher, searching for a fresh simile to teach a set of kids, on gripping political behaviour, that simile would be “as cheap as Kwankwaso”!

    Indeed, there’s no cheaper stunt, or reckless political grandstanding, or just empty posturing, than Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso’s cheap gibberish of personalities, real or phantom, pocketing Kano; and Lagos “colonizing” the North.

    And to think this bloke just ran — and could, in future, run — for president of the Federal Republic!  What balderdash!

    The former Kano governor, addressing a gathering at Skyline University, Kano, went on and on, on a conspiracy theory that would put Donald Trump, the unfazed master of that genre, to shame!

    “Lagos wouldn’t allow us to choose an Emir,” he wailed, “Lagos young men are working so hard to impose taxes and take away our taxes from Kano!”  How cheap!

    To cut to the chase: Kwankwaso refers to the four consolidated tax bills, now before the National Assembly.  A lobby from the North wants the bills stepped down.  But President Tinubu has countered that whoever has any complaint should lodge them as part of the democratic law-making processes.

    So, that legitimate act passes for “Lagos boys” taking “away our taxes from Kano”!  So, Wale Edun, the Finance minister, and tax reformers working under him are now “Lagos boys” — and that bunkum to graduating university students!  Does Kwankwaso think they have sawdust as grey matter?  What disrespect!

    The current Emir of Kano tussle would appear gnawing at his ever restless soul!  Still, why this verbal panic? Does it write a bold handwriting on the wall?

    Read Also: Remain peaceful, Sanwo-Olu urges residents

    Governor Abba Yusuf, Kwankwaso’s political sidekick, had rushed through a process to replace the Emir of Kano.  That has spectacularly back-fired, with two Emirs laying claim to a sole Kano stool, even as the case drags on in court.

    As the saying goes, a bad artisan blames his tools.  So, for that fumble, Kwankwaso now blames “Lagos” (read President Bola Tinubu) because the Emir that felt short-changed didn’t sleep on his right. 

    Rather, he is challenging the matter in court. But because Kwankwaso, Abba and co can’t bully the Police to rush the second Emir out of town, the President, because he is commander-in-chief, is now Kano’s colonizer from Lagos!  Haba! 

    Did this guy even pause to listen to his wild talk?

    This is a new low, coming from a former governor, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, former senator of the Federal Republic and a likely future candidate for the presidency! 

    It’s infra-dig.  Nothing can justify such loose and reckless talk.  Kwankwaso and ilk should stop giving the North a bad name, on the altar of cheap and desperate politics!

  • When Kwankwaso, Mangal shut down Kano

    When Kwankwaso, Mangal shut down Kano

    Former Governor of Kano State Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and business magnate Alhaji Dahiru Mangal have come a long way.

    They have been close friends for over four decades and their bond has continued to wax stronger.

    And last weekend, their children further cemented their friendship and took it a step further by making the two bosom friends in-laws as their children Dr. Aisha Kwankwaso and Fahad Mangal tied the nuptial knot in the ancient city of Kano, where their parents hosted the high and mighty.  

    The wedding celebrated wealth, power and opulence as both parents did not fail to ensure it was a celebration that would not be forgotten.

    It was a traditional wedding infused with northern aesthetics. The food, culture, attire, colours, and music portrayed the ancient northern lifestyle that pays attention to nuptial proceedings as the dowry of a million was paid by the groom’s family.

    The traditional Kamu was held at the Palace of the Emir of Kano, His Eminence, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, which was solemnised by the Chief Imam of Kano Prof. Zahradeen Sanni.

    Read Also: We’re committed to transforming Nigeria’s mining sector into global model – Tinubu

    The wedding reception received one of the biggest guests as the host, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, ensured that dignitaries were treated to royalty. The well-decorated hall at the Kano State Government House showed that the couple’s parents didn’t spare any cost to make the day memorable.

    Kwakwanso, who is the father of the bride, was a bit emotional while giving his remarks, calling for the groom to take care of his daughter. The founder of Max Air, Alhaji Mangal, promised that they would take very good care of the bride as she was now a part of their family.

    Vice President of Nigeria Senator Kashim Shettima, Former President of Nigeria; Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of the Senate; Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and Senator David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representative; Dr Tajudeen Abass, Minister for Steel Audu Abubakar, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivor, Datti Baba Ahmed, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, Adamu Ailero, Lucky Igbinedion, Muhammed Shinkafi, Isah Yuguda, Victor Attah and a host of others.

  • VP Shettima, Obasanjo, Atiku others grace Kwankwaso’s daughter’s wedding in Kano

    VP Shettima, Obasanjo, Atiku others grace Kwankwaso’s daughter’s wedding in Kano

    Vice President Kashim Shettima and other dignitaries on Saturday attended the wedding Fatiha of Sen. Rabi’u Kwankwaso’s daughter, Dr. Aisha Kwankwaso, and her groom, Fahad Dahiru-Mangal.

    Also in attendance were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, and Sen. Adamu Alero.

    Others were: The Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar; the Minister of Steel, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar; the former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; and former National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu.

    Also in attendance were the former Gov. Ahmed Makarfi of Kaduna, Mahamud Shinkafi, Zamfara, Isah Yuguda, Bauchi, Victor Attah Akwa Ibom and Lucky Igbinedion of Edo.

    Other notable personalities were Sen. Abdul Ningi, Sen. Dino Maleye, and Sen. Rufai Hanga.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that scores of members of National and state assemblies, captains of industries, politicians, as well as the members of the diplomat corps attended the event.

    The wedding Fatiha took place around 12:15 pm at at the Emir’s Palace, Kano.

    The wedding proceedings were conducted by the Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Sani Zaharaddeen.

    Shettima, who stood in for the groom, gave out the dowry of N1 million to Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf  of Kano who represented the bride at the occasion.

    The event, which was also attended by prominent Islamic scholars and other well wishers from across the country, witnessed a large turnout of residents.

    NAN reports that during the wedding, security was very tight in and around the Kano metropolis.

    The Chief Imam prayed for unity between Kwankwaso’s daughter and the husband a son of a prominent business magnate, Dahiru-Mangal.

    Read Also: Shettima rallies support for Nigeria’s Oscar entry Mai Martaba

    The marriage ceremony highlighted the significance of cultural and traditional institutions of Kano State, with the Emir’s Palace being a symbol of the region’s rich history and heritage.

    Kwankwaso, served as Governor of Kano State between 1999 and 2003 and another tenure from 2011 to 2015.

    He was also a Minister of Defence and a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

    Kwankwaso established the Kano University of Science and Technology and the North-West University.

    (NAN)

  • Kwankwaso’s visit to Otti sparks possible alliance in 2027

    Kwankwaso’s visit to Otti sparks possible alliance in 2027

    Abia Governor Alex Otti has received in audience, the former Kano Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

    He also received 15 Abia indigenes who graduated recently from the Nigeria Police Academy, Kano.

    Our correspondent reports that the visit of former Kano Governor to Otti in his Nvosi Isiala Ngwa South local government area country home over the weekend sparked possible alliance of the Kwankwaso’s party with the Nnenadi Usman led faction of the Labour Party (LP) ahead of 2027.

    This is following the crisis rocking LP at the state and national levels, which was attributed for the defeat LP suffered in the just-concluded local government elections across the 17 LGAs.

    Kwankwaso, who said that he was in the state to commiserate with Otti over the demise of late Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, first civilian Abia Governor who was buried at the weekend in his state, charged the graduands to be professional in the discharge of their duties.

    Read Also: IGP warns against political interference, violence ahead Ondo poll

    “Let me take this opportunity based in my experience to advise you to first and foremost fear God.

    “Two, you need to be professionals
    Now you are fresh, just coming out of the prestigious institute, stay there as professionals.” Kwankwaso advised.

    He congratulated Otti on his emergence as the Governor of Abia State and appreciated the achievements of Governor Otti in Abia State

    “For the little time I am here I had opportunity of talking to few people who confirmed to me that you are doing very well, in fact very well. We have seen your project everywhere,” Kwankwaso noted.

    Otti thanked Kwankwaso for visiting the state, saying his guidance and patriotism were highly appreciated.