Kwankwaso Alleges Kano Govt Is Pressuring Officials To Sign APC Defection Papers As Deputy Governor Reaffirms Loyalty

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Fresh political controversy has erupted in Kano following claims by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso that certain state officials are being pressured to formalize a move from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement made the allegation via his verified social media platforms, describing the situation as troubling. According to him, reports reaching his camp suggest that elected local government chairmen and other government functionaries are being compelled to sign documents indicating political alignment shifts.

Kwankwaso claimed that those affected were allegedly being pushed to publicly identify with either the Gandujiyya or Kwankwasiyya factions. He warned that such actions, if true, undermine democratic norms and foster unhealthy political intimidation within the state.

Despite voicing strong concerns, he advised individuals facing pressure to comply if refusal could expose them to retaliation. In his view, safeguarding personal security and avoiding victimisation should take precedence if circumstances escalate beyond control.

Government Fires Back

The Kano State Government swiftly dismissed the allegations. The Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, insisted that no one was being forced to defect. According to him, political participation remains voluntary, and any decision to join the APC is based on personal conviction rather than coercion.

Waiya maintained that the administration merely welcomes those who genuinely wish to align with the ruling party, emphasizing that claims of forced signatures are inaccurate.

Rumours Surrounding Governor Yusuf

The controversy comes amid ongoing speculation that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf — elected under the NNPP platform and widely regarded as Kwankwaso’s political protégé — may be considering a switch to the APC ahead of the next election cycle.

Though unconfirmed, these rumors have reportedly unsettled segments of the NNPP base, fueling concerns about potential fractures within the party’s Kano stronghold.

Deputy Governor Reaffirms Allegiance

In a move interpreted as symbolic reassurance, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo visited Kwankwaso shortly after returning from Saudi Arabia, where he performed the lesser Hajj. Sources indicate that the meeting at Kwankwaso’s Miller Road residence was intended to personally reaffirm loyalty to the movement.

Insiders also reveal that several prominent figures within both the government and the party structure have echoed similar commitments. Among those reportedly standing firm are the Commissioner for Science and Technology, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs, and a factional NNPP chairman.

Analysis: Power Blocs and Political Survival

The unfolding developments highlight a broader struggle for influence in Kano’s political landscape. Allegations of coercion — whether substantiated or not — reflect deep mistrust between rival camps and underline the strategic importance of Kano in national politics.

For Kwankwaso, maintaining loyalty within his ranks is essential to preserving the relevance of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. For the state government, projecting unity and voluntary political alignment is equally critical to sustaining legitimacy.

Ultimately, the situation reveals a high-stakes political chess match where perception matters as much as action. As Kano navigates this tense moment, the balance of loyalty and ambition may determine the strength of party structures heading into future elections.