Musa Ilyasu Kwankwaso, a three-time commissioner in Kano State, has made startling claims regarding Governor Abba Yusuf’s alleged pact to switch allegiance from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Kwankwaso alleges that this arrangement played a pivotal role in the Supreme Court’s confirmation of Yusuf as Kano State governor.
Speaking to reporters in Kano, Kwankwaso, a former commissioner and prominent figure within the APC, disclosed that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor, initially remained aloof from the deal but eventually acquiesced.
However, Kwankwaso refrained from specifying with whom precisely Governor Yusuf brokered the defection agreement.
Kwankwaso detailed the last-minute nature of the agreement, indicating that critical decisions, including power-sharing arrangements within both the state and the party, were hastily concluded. He asserted that Senator Kwankwaso, while discontent with the arrangement, ultimately relented but imposed certain conditions, the fulfillment of which is pending.
While affirming the APC’s openness to new members, Kwankwaso emphasized the importance of constructive engagement and contribution to the party’s growth and development.
Moreover, Kwankwaso urged opposition leaders from diverse political affiliations to engage in constructive criticism, advocating for a more constructive and less sentiment-driven political landscape.
Expressing concern over the current state of politics in Nigeria, Kwankwaso praised efforts by the National Security Adviser (NSA) to enhance security, particularly noting recent engagements with Northern governors in the United States.
He criticized recent protests targeting key figures in the ruling APC, attributing them to disloyalty and subversion of past agreements that birthed the party’s emergence.
In defense of President Bola Tinubu, Kwankwaso highlighted achievements in addressing insecurity, citing improved travel safety between Abuja and Kaduna.
Kwankwaso appealed to Northern elders to collaborate with regional governors to foster development, urging support for infrastructure projects.
He pledged unwavering support for Tinubu, denouncing attempts to undermine him and praising Tinubu’s intentions to rectify past wrongs.
Furthermore, Kwankwaso commended Tinubu for appointing an experienced civilian, Nuhu Ribadu, as National Security Adviser, contrasting with previous military appointees.