Kwankwaso Breaks Silence on Power-Sharing Agreement with Atiku, Obi

Rabiu Kwankwaso addresses the alleged power-sharing deal with Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, shedding light on the discussions and political dynamics involved.

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State and presidential candidate for the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general elections, has denied allegations that he entered into a power-sharing agreement with Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi from the Labour Party (LP).

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso described the rumors as unfounded and harmful.

He claimed that Atiku’s supporters were behind the narrative, alleging they have been meeting with clerics and regional leaders to promote this claim.

Kwankwaso reiterated his dedication to the NNPP’s vision, asserting that these rumors are merely distractions intended to mislead the public and create political confusion.

“This issue makes me extremely angry, hearing that respected elders are spreading falsehoods about events that never occurred,” Kwankwaso stated.

I was informed that approximately 45 clerics were assembled and presented with a fabricated story. They were told that I had supposedly agreed to a deal where Atiku would serve for four years, followed by me serving another four years, and Peter Obi serving for eight years. This is entirely untrue; no such agreement ever existed.

The former governor mentioned that after switching from the PDP to the NNPP, he has experienced peace and relief from what he described as the “humiliation” faced by him and his supporters in the PDP.

He claimed, “It was because of such lies and deceit that we decided to leave. Peter Obi, Wike, others, and I all left for this reason. Now they’re returning to ask us to assist those who humiliated us in reaching their goals.”

Kwankwaso also voiced his worries about the recent demands for Kano State Governor, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, to separate himself from him.

Kwankwaso mentioned that the controversial movement “Abba Tsaya Da Ƙafarka” (Abba, Stand on Your Own) was an effort to create a rift between him and the governor.

Kwankwaso stated, “What people don’t realize is that Kwankwasiyya represents a movement rather than merely a political party. Our supporters have faith in us, so if an endorsed governor or legislator falls short of expectations, it won’t only be their name under scrutiny; people will claim that Kwankwasiyya has failed.”

He reiterated his non-involvement in the affairs of Kano State’s government, emphasizing that his role is limited to offering advice when solicited. “Right from the beginning, I stated unequivocally that my input would be advisory and only if sought after. That’s precisely what I’ve adhered to—assisting solely upon request,” he explained.

Kwankwaso claimed that individuals advocating for Governor Yusuf to cut ties with the Kwankwasiyya movement have hidden agendas.

He asserted that their primary goal was to capitalize on any errors made by the governor in order to weaken both him and the movement.

Kwankwaso expressed that certain influential people believe Abba might have a chance to succeed if he separates from Kwankwasiyya. They intend to exploit any mistakes he makes, aiming to bring him and us down for their own selfish motives.

The ex-governor praised Governor Yusuf for his loyalty and encouraged him to resist political actors trying to drive a wedge between them for their own self-serving interests.