In a recent development, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), of intentionally seeking to diminish the political influence of its National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, in preparation for the upcoming election in Kano State. This revelation was made by the National Legal Adviser of the APC, Prof Abdulkareem Kana, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Kwankwaso and Ganduje, both former governors of Kano State and former allies, have experienced a falling out in recent years due to political disagreements within the state. Kana alleged that evidence suggests the leadership of the NNPP and its members in Kano state are behind orchestrated protests aimed at ousting Ganduje as the national chairman of the APC. He asserted that this is a deliberate attempt to undermine Ganduje’s political significance ahead of the forthcoming election in the state.
While Kana acknowledged that he is not from Kano and cannot delve into the intricacies of the rift between Kwankwaso and Ganduje, he emphasized that the ongoing tensions are primarily politically motivated. He expressed confidence that the two politicians may eventually reconcile, considering their longstanding relationship and shared history in politics.
Responding to the allegations, Ladipo Johnson, the National Publicity Secretary of NNPP, dismissed the claims made by the APC, labelling the party as confused and its leader as delusional. Johnson asserted that Kwankwaso has no involvement in Ganduje’s current challenges, attributing them instead to Ganduje’s actions and conflicts within his ward executives.
The plot to remove Ganduje from his position as national chairman has gained momentum in recent weeks, particularly following protests at the APC secretariat in Abuja demanding his resignation. These protests were fueled by Ganduje’s suspension by a faction of his ward executive and bribery allegations levelled against him by the Kano State government.