By Uzair Adam
Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said mounting political tension and pressure on grassroots officials informed his decision to allow some of his supporters in the state to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kwankwaso made the disclosure in a video message that went viral on Tuesday evening, where he described the political climate in Kano as increasingly tense and emotionally draining for local government officials following the political dominance of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the situation had taken a serious toll on several chairmen, councillors and other political appointees, many of whom reached out to him in distress.
According to Kwankwaso, some of the officials were experiencing sleepless nights and deep confusion, while others reportedly required medical attention due to the pressure they were under.
“Many chairmen and councillors called me to explain what they were going through. Some could not sleep, some were deeply confused, and some were even placed on hospital drips,” he said.
The former governor explained that the rising tension compelled him to consult widely in order to reduce the hardship being faced by his loyalists, noting that many of their legitimate expectations from government were yet to be met.
He said maintaining a rigid political position under such circumstances could have worsened the suffering of the affected officials, which led to the decision to allow them to take steps that would bring relief.
“We agreed that all chairmen, councillors, supervisory councillors and anyone who was asked to sign should go ahead and do so. We have no issue with that,” Kwankwaso said.
He dismissed suggestions that the move was linked to early preparations for the 2027 general elections, stressing that the time for such political battles had not yet arrived.
“2027 is still far away. We pray that Allah spares our lives to reach that time. Our supporters are everywhere; we know them and they know themselves,” he added.
Kwankwaso expressed hope that the decision would help calm political tension in Kano State, particularly among those he said were being subjected to pressure, while thanking residents of the state for their patience and understanding.
He also praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, noting that the governor had recently acknowledged the achievements of the Kwankwasiyya administration and highlighted actions of the immediate past government which, according to him, hindered progress in the state.
In the video, Kwankwaso further alleged that the state government had introduced measures aimed at intimidating local government officials and political appointees.
He claimed that chairmen, councillors, secretaries and other office holders were allegedly compelled to write their names on lists indicating whether they supported the Kwankwasiyya movement or the Ganduje political camp.
Describing the practice as unacceptable, Kwankwaso said such actions would discomfort any well-meaning resident of Kano State, regardless of political affiliation.
He also reflected on the 2015 political transition, alleging that acts of betrayal at the time resulted in years of hardship for his supporters.
“We looked back at history and remembered what happened in 2015, when our supporters suffered for eight years because of political disloyalty,” he said.
The video has continued to generate reactions within and outside Kano State, with supporters and critics offering differing interpretations of Kwankwaso’s remarks and the broader political implications.