Date: June 17, 2024
Location: Madobi, Kano State, Nigeria
National Leader and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has accused the All Progressive Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of attempting to create a new breed of Boko Haram terrorists and insurgents in Northern Nigeria. Kwankwaso’s comments come in reaction to the ongoing situation in Kano, where federal security agencies have been backing the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of an 82-kilometre rural roads network in his hometown, Madobi, Kwankwaso warned that any intimidation against the people of Kano will be resisted. He emphasized that the people of Kano will resist any attempt to undermine the constituted authority in the state, highlighting their mass followership and belief in the pro-people stance of the NNPP administration.
Kwankwaso expressed concern over the federal government’s alleged plans, suggesting that certain individuals from Kano, whom he described as enemies of the state suffering from mental illness, are advising the federal government to take over Kano through a state of emergency. “This is madness of the highest order that the good, peace-loving, and committed people of Kano will resist,” he declared.
He also accused some desperate politicians of being on a mission to disrupt the build-up to the 2027 elections, stating, “We dare anybody, who thinks he can victimize us politically, to go and be rest assured that we are ready for the fight.” Kwankwaso vowed that the NNPP will remain committed to its principles and continue to serve the people, whether in or out of power.
The former Defense Minister reiterated the NNPP’s openness to dialogue, truce, and reconciliation, but firmly rejected any form of intimidation or political harassment. “We know how to play politics and we have all it takes to protect ourselves from any evil,” he warned emphatically.
Kwankwaso’s strong statements underscore the political tensions in Kano State and his determination to protect the constitutional responsibilities of the state’s leadership against perceived external threats.