NNPP Chieftain Alleges Kano Governor Attempted to Block Kwankwaso from Entering State
A senior figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Buba Galadima, has made a serious allegation against Kano State Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf. Galadima claims that the governor wrote to the Federal Government in an effort to prevent the party's national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from entering Kano. This accusation was made during an interview with DCL Hausa on Thursday, adding fuel to the ongoing political tensions within the state and the NNPP.
Dismissal of U.S. Visa Ban Reports as Politically Motivated
Galadima spoke out in response to reports that the United States Congress is considering a visa ban on Kwankwaso over allegations of Christian persecution. He firmly dismissed these allegations, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated. According to Galadima, the threat from the U.S. Congress did not come as a surprise, as many followers had informed him of plans by the ruling APC-led government to pressure Kwankwaso into joining their party.
He stated, "This threat by the U.S. Congress didn't come to us as a surprise. Even though this isn't what we expected, many followers had reliably informed us of unpleasant plans against him by the APC-led government if he failed to yield to mounting pressure to join the ruling party."
Kwankwaso's Defiant Stance and Alleged Threats
Despite these alleged intimidations, Galadima insisted that Kwankwaso remains resolute. He described Kwankwaso as "a warrior — fearless and a one-man battalion," emphasizing that the former governor has vowed not to join the APC or any other political party unless certain conditions in the public interest are met. Galadima clarified that these conditions are not for personal gain but aimed at alleviating the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
Galadima further alleged that government officials have threatened Kwankwaso in various ways, including plans for arrest and humiliation on spurious allegations. He claimed, "There is nothing that hasn't been planned against Kwankwaso. He has been threatened with what they call 'Malami treatment.' Government officials have also threatened to arrest and humiliate him on spurious allegations."
Deepening Political Crisis in Kano
The political turmoil in Kano has intensified with recent developments. Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf recently sacked his special adviser on Political Matters, Sunusi Surajo, who is a key ally of Kwankwaso and a figure in the Kwankwasiyya political structure. This move occurred shortly after Surajo announced his resignation from the NNPP, and he was replaced by a former aide to ex-governor and former APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
Political analysts interpret this replacement as a clear signal of Governor Yusuf's shifting political alignment, further complicating the landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. Galadima commented on potential political alliances, stating that the NNPP will act in the best interest of its supporters and the Nigerian people.
The allegations and counter-allegations highlight the volatile nature of Nigerian politics, with key players like Kwankwaso and the NNPP facing significant pressure and scrutiny. As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on Kano and the Federal Government's response to these claims.
