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Former Kano State Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, has criticized Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, for describing Governor Yusuf of Kano State as a “betrayer.”
It is important to note that Governor Yusuf's recent attempt to join the APC has upset his alleged mentor, Kwankwaso, who has labeled this move a betrayal.
In response, Shekarau reminded Kwankwaso that, “Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is simply following your example of defecting to the APC, as you did the same when you abandoned the PDP for the APC.”
Shekarau stated, “Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf should not be accused of betrayal due to his choices, as political realignments are personal decisions influenced by circumstances and discussions.”
In a widely circulated audio clip shared on his verified WhatsApp platform, he emphasized that Governor Yusuf has the fundamental right to change parties as he sees fit.
According to Shekarau, Kwankwaso’s stance overlooks the political precedents he himself established when he switched parties during his time as governor.
“I listened to some of my brother Kwankwaso’s comments. To me, it seems Kwankwaso has either forgotten past events or believes others have forgotten,” Shekarau remarked.
He recalled that Kwankwaso transitioned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) while still holding the governorship position.
“When he was in the PDP, he also transferred the governorship seat to the APC. Why didn’t he relinquish it to the PDP? The way he took the PDP's seat to the APC is likely the same manner in which Abba will take the NNPP seat to the APC,” he explained.
Shekarau added that if such actions are now deemed inappropriate, then the precedent was already set by Kwankwaso.
The former governor also revisited the events surrounding the establishment of the NNPP in Kano, revealing that disagreements over power-sharing arrangements led to his eventual departure from the party.
He mentioned that after he and Kwankwaso left the APC for the NNPP, multiple meetings were held in Abuja and Kano to discuss how elective positions and appointments would be distributed among stakeholders.
Shekarau disclosed that a committee was formed to devise a sharing formula, with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf appointed as chairman because he was expected to secure the governorship ticket.
“Abba spent about three months without completing the assignment. Suddenly, a list was released, and there was not a single representative from our side except for me,” he said.
According to him, Kwankwaso openly questioned this development in his presence, but the situation remained unresolved, leading Shekarau and his supporters to establish a 30-member committee that ultimately recommended leaving the NNPP.
“I rejected the arrangement because I could not accept a senatorial ticket alone while my supporters received nothing,” he added.
Shekarau maintained that political decisions, including defections, should not automatically be considered betrayal, particularly when leaders consult their followers and act in accordance with what they believe to be in their collective interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Shekarau's criticism of Kwankwaso?
Shekarau criticized Kwankwaso for labeling Governor Yusuf as a "betrayer" for his move to join the APC, reminding him of his own past actions of switching parties.
What is Shekarau's stance on political defections?
Shekarau believes that political defections should not be seen as betrayal, especially when they are made after proper consultation with followers.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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