The Kwankwasiyya Movement has said that the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) did not field candidates for the two Kano State Assembly bye-election for Kano Municipal and Ungogo state constituencies based on its avowed principle as well as a decision rooted in compassion, loyalty, respect as against political expediency.
This was contined in a statement by the Spokesperson of the Movement, Habibu Sale Mohammed, in which he explained that the tragic demise of the two sitting committed members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement who were elected on the platform of the NNPP, occurred on the same day and it was agreed that in the spirit of compassion, continuity, and respect for their sacrifices, the children of the late members should be allowed to replace them.
Mohammed specifically said that the National Leader of the Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, particularly deemed it morally appropriate to support the nomination of the children of the two committed late members as flag bearers of the party.
He noted that the singularly decision was accordingly adopted by the NNPP as a consensus arrangement during the mourning period, adding however, that the defection of Governor Abba Yusuf from NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) brought a new dimension into the issue.
According to Mohammed; “However, following the Governor’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), events took a different turn. On the eve of the final submission of candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission, new nominations were made under the APC banner, including the House Leader in Ungogo Local Government Area and a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor for Kano Municipal, reportedly to lead the party into the election.
“It was only after sensing public backlash and widespread disapproval that a sudden reversal occurred, leading to the adoption of the same individuals earlier nominated under NNPP, but this time as APC flag bearers,” he said.
The Spokesperson of the Movement further said that intense political pressure was brought to bear on the nominees and were compelled to resign their NNPP membership and move to the APC platform.
Mohammed further said; “Despite these developments, our National Leader, in his characteristic statesmanship and respect for the bereaved families and their longstanding commitment to the Kwankwasiyya Movement, resolved to honour his original stand.
He maintained that the children of the deceased members should be allowed to return to the State Assembly, irrespective of the political platform they now stand on.
“This was a decision rooted in compassion, loyalty, and respect not political expediency. Consequently, the NNPP deliberately refrained from substituting their names, even after their resignation from the party.
“This action clearly demonstrates that there is only one recognized and legitimate NNPP structure in the state. Had there been any other faction with lawful standing, as falsely claimed in some quarters, its sponsored candidates would have appeared on the ballot,” the Movement explained.
Mohammed said that the Kwankwasiyya Movement remained constant in its principles, loyalty, justice, compassion and respect for the sacrifices of the fallen members.
He said; “The fact that the NNPP does not have a candidate in this bye-election as recognized by INEC and is conspicuously absent from the ballot papers, puts to rest all speculation and misinformation. The electoral body’s official records speak for themselves.
“The Kwankwasiyya Movement remains consistent in its principles: loyalty, justice, compassion, and respect for the sacrifices of our fallen members”.
Mohammed therefore urged the public to disregard attempts to distort the facts for political advantage.
