FORMER Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has taken a swipe at Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso over his criticism of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf amid growing speculation that the Kano governor may defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Shekarau insisted that party defection is a personal and political decision shaped by prevailing circumstances, consultations and historical precedent, arguing that no elected official should be compelled to relinquish a mandate for changing political platforms.
Speaking in an interview with the online platform DCL Hausa monitored by News Point Nigeria, the former governor rejected Kwankwaso’s assertion that Governor Yusuf must vacate office should he defect from the NNPP, describing the stance as inconsistent with Nigeria’s political history and Kwankwaso’s own political trajectory.
“I listened to some of my brother Kwankwaso’s remarks. To me, he has either forgotten what happened in the past or he thinks people have forgotten,” Shekarau said.
He recalled that Kwankwaso himself defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) while serving as governor of Kano State, without surrendering his mandate.
“When he was in the PDP, he left with the governorship seat to the APC. Why didn’t he drop it for the PDP?” Shekarau asked.
“The way he took the PDP seat to APC is likely the same way Abba will take the NNPP seat to APC.”
According to Shekarau, it was therefore contradictory to describe such a move as betrayal or political immorality when the same path had been taken by Kwankwaso in the past.
“If it is now being seen as an offence, then the offence was committed long ago,” he said, stressing that political decisions must be judged within proper context rather than selective moral standards.
The former governor also revisited the internal crisis that followed his and Kwankwaso’s defection to the NNPP ahead of the 2023 general elections, shedding light on disagreements over power-sharing arrangements that eventually led to his exit from the party.
Shekarau disclosed that after their defection from the APC to the NNPP, several meetings were held in Abuja and Kano to agree on the sharing of elective positions and appointments among stakeholders. A committee was reportedly set up for the task, with Abba Kabir Yusuf appointed chairman, as the party’s governorship candidate.
“Abba spent about three months without submitting the assignment. Suddenly, a list emerged and there was no single person from our side except me,” Shekarau said.
He revealed that Kwankwaso queried the development in his presence, but the issue was never resolved. This, he explained, prompted him and his supporters to constitute a 30-member committee, which eventually recommended their withdrawal from the NNPP.
“I rejected the arrangement because I could not accept a senatorial ticket alone while my people got nothing,” he added.
Shekarau maintained that political realignment should not automatically be framed as betrayal, particularly when leaders consult their supporters and act in what they believe to be their collective interest.
“In life, one chooses for himself. If you have tangible reasons and the people you are with are okay with it, that is all,” he said.
He further argued that Governor Yusuf should be allowed to make his decision without being vilified, noting that Kwankwaso himself has moved across several political parties, including the PDP, APC and NNPP.
“Kwankwaso has moved from PDP to APC, back to PDP and then to NNPP. If Abba has his own reasons and those around him agree, I don’t see any betrayal here,” Shekarau said.
Meanwhile, former Kano State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has welcomed Governor Yusuf to the APC, describing his reported decision to align with the ruling party as an act of courage, foresight and responsibility.
In a statement issued to mark Yusuf’s 63rd birthday, Ganduje said the moment offered an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to the development of Kano State.
He said Yusuf’s reported decision to join the APC reflected political maturity and vision, adding that his entry into the party would strengthen its people-centred agenda in the state.
“By aligning with the APC, Governor Yusuf would help position Kano State more closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Ganduje said.
He wished the governor good health, wisdom and renewed strength, expressing optimism that the years ahead would bring greater accomplishments and lasting contributions to Kano State and Nigeria.