Former Kano State governor and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticised moves he says are aimed at pushing the Kano State governor to defect to another party, warning that such a step would undermine the will of voters.
Speaking during a meeting with party supporters, Kwankwaso questioned why President Bola Tinubu’s allies would target Kano when the ruling party already controls most states.
“If you have 30 governors, why must you take Kano State governor? He is the only one left for us in the Government House,” he said.
Kwankwaso argued that those encouraging a defection should be honest about their intentions.
“Those instigating him to go should tell him to drop the governorship for us and go, since the governorship is not meant for only one person,” he added.
He said he had made efforts behind the scenes to reduce political tension in the state, holding talks with key figures to prevent what he described as a damaging political path.
“Since these things started, I have tried my best. Anybody I needed to talk to, I have done that,” he said.
Kwankwaso maintained that the NNPP-led administration in Kano still had time to deliver on its promises, stressing that unity among political actors was essential for stability and development.
“The line has drawn itself in Kano State. It is a war between light and darkness, and the people of Kano have since understood that,” he said.
He also spoke of growing frustration among supporters, claiming that political pressure had caused distress for many party loyalists.
Kwankwaso rejected suggestions that the NNPP was weak in Kano, insisting the party remained firmly rooted in the state.
“If you go back to Abuja and see them, tell them they are playing with Kano,” he warned. “They are underestimating us, and they should be very careful.”
