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Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has accused the Kano State Government of pressuring political officeholders to publicly declare loyalty to either Kwankwasiyya or the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kwankwaso made the allegation in a video message shared on Tuesday evening by his media aide, Saifullahi Hassan. He claimed that local government chairmen, councillors and some lawmakers were being compelled to sign loyalty registers amid growing speculations over possible defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to APC.
However, Kwankwaso said those affected should not fear offending him if they were pressured to take such actions “The Kano State Government is pressuring political officeholders to declare their loyalty either to Kwankwasiyya or to Ganduje’s camp. This is not something anyone who truly loves us would be happy with,” he said. He recalled that the movement had faced betrayals in the past, with supporters enduring years of political hardship before reclaiming power in 2023.
The former Governor said the pressure on loyalists had intensified since defection talks began, describing the situation as distressing for many officeholders.
“Since this defection speculation to Ganduje and Tinubu’s camps started, there have been many crises. Chairmen, councillors and assembly members have been calling me in distress. Some cannot sleep, and some have even been hospitalised,” he said.
He explained that advising them to sign any loyalty register presented to them was intended to ease tension, stressing that the struggle for the 2027 general election had not yet begun.
Kwankwaso also reflected on the process through which the current local government chairmen were selected, expressing confidence in their ability to continue delivering dividends of democracy. He said the selection was carried out collectively by himself and other party leaders and local government caucuses.
“We selected these chairmen in a joyful mood back then, I was the chairman of the commitee along with the deputy governor, the Speaker Folgore, Dr Kofarmata, AVM Ibrahim Umar, party chairman Dungurawa, Sanusi Sirajo and Danzaki, along with all the local government caucuses, we chose the right people and we hope they will continue the good work,” he stated.
He further alleged that some caucus members were being followed to their homes with promises aimed at luring them away, a development he described as unhealthy for the state’s political climate.
“I have heard that for the first time in three years now they are being followed to there houses and promises are being made but when the time come we know our loyalists will rise but now is not the time to begin the struggle for the 2027 election,” he added.
Kwankwaso concluded by thanking Governor Yusuf for recently commending his administration while criticising the immediate-past government of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, in a speech he made during the graduation of students from various entrepreneurship programmes.
“I am grateful to the Kano State Governor for what he said in his speech, where he commended our government and unmasked the previous administration that stopped the progress of Kano State.”
He also expressed appreciation to his supporters for their continued loyalty amid the unfolding political uncertainty in the State
