Former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has accused the Kano State Government of compelling political officeholders to declare allegiance to either Kwankwasiyya or the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kwankwaso made the allegation in a video message released on Tuesday evening by his media aide, Saifullahi Hassan. He claimed local government chairmen, councillors, and some lawmakers were being urged to sign loyalty registers amid speculation over a possible defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the APC.
However, he reassured party loyalists that they should not fear offending him if pressured to comply. “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, recalling past betrayals that tested the movement before it reclaimed power in 2023.
Kwankwaso said the pressure had intensified since the defection talks began, describing the situation as distressing for many officeholders. “Since this speculation about defection 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 added.
He explained that advising members on signing any loyalty register was meant to ease tension, stressing that the struggle for the 2027 general election had not yet commenced.
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Reflecting on the selection process of current local government chairmen, Kwankwaso expressed confidence in their ability to deliver the dividends of democracy. “We selected these chairmen in a joyful mood back then. I was the chairman of the committee alongside the deputy governor, Speaker Folgore, Dr Kofarmata, AVM Ibrahim Umar, party chairman Dungurawa, Sanusi Sirajo, and Danzaki, together with all the local government caucuses. We chose the right people and we hope they will continue the good work,” he said.
He also alleged that some caucus members were being followed to their homes with inducements aimed at swaying them, a move he described as unhealthy for Kano’s political climate. “I have heard that for the first time in three years, they are being followed to their houses and promises are being made. But when the time comes, we know our loyalists will rise. Now is not the time to begin the struggle for the 2027 election,” he said.
Kwankwaso concluded by thanking Governor Yusuf for commending his administration while criticising the immediate-past government of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje during a recent entrepreneurship graduation ceremony.
“I am grateful to Governor Yusuf 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 said.
He further expressed appreciation to his supporters for their continued loyalty amid the unfolding political uncertainty in the state.
