In a surprising change of heart, former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has backed the planned defection of Governor Abba Yusuf and other elected officials from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr Kwankwaso, in a brief video shared by his media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, on Tuesday, announced his full support for the decision of his party members to switch allegiance to the opposition, a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the state.
Elanzanews reported that Mr Kwankwaso, the leader of the NNPP in Kano, had previously taken a firm stance against the defection of Governor Yusuf and other elected and appointed officials from the NNPP, accusing the planned defectors of betraying the people of Kano who elected them.
In the latest video, Mr Kwankwaso stated that he endorsed the defection to the APC to allow officials to exercise their political rights and to alleviate the existing tension among NNPP members in the state.
By endorsing these defections, Mr Kwankwaso may be attempting to maintain a degree of control over a situation that has already spiralled beyond his influence, effectively choosing to lead the parade rather than be trampled by it.
Further details to follow…
