The Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State, Alhaji Hashim Sulaiman Dugunrawa, has dismissed speculations that Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Tuesday, Dugunrawa acknowledged that the rumour has been making the rounds in some political circles, but said the party sees it as a positive sign.
“We are happy that people are spreading it. It only shows how politically relevant Senator Kwankwaso remains.
“Senator Kwankwaso, our leader, is a force to be reckoned with as far as politics is concerned,” he said.
Dugunrawa also emphasized that people recognize the former NNPP presidential candidate as a man of honour and integrity, not someone tainted by corruption or irrelevance.
“People believe and are convinced that he (Senator Kwankwaso) is neither a thief nor a fraudster nor a political deadwood, but a person highly blessed with integrity and a focused politician,” he stated.
He acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Kwankwaso and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the two have shared a mutual political journey for years.
“The plan of the former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to defect is just a rumour.
“However, we thank God that the rumour is spreading in our favour, as it highlights Senator Kwankwaso’s popularity. Personally, I cannot base anything on mere speculation,’ he added.
He went further to reflect on the past political alliance between the two men.
“As you will recall, they were both governors at the same time. They were also lawmakers, as well as great personalities who governed two reputable states in the country.
“While President Tinubu was a former governor of Lagos State, Senator Kwankwaso was also a former governor of Kano State. Both also served as members of the Red Chamber, representing their respective states in the Senate.
“Therefore, they are not strangers to each other. For now, the rumour of Senator Kwankwaso defecting to the APC remains just a rumour.”
