Kwankwaso leads the Kwankwasiyya movement, while former Kano State Governor and ex–National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, heads the Gandujiyya movement.
Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has accused the current Kano State government of instituting a system that pressures local government chairmen, councillors, secretaries, and other officials to publicly declare their political allegiance, either to the Kwankwasiyya movement or to the ruling Gandujiya faction.
Kwankwaso, speaking in Hausa to his supporters and followers of the Kwankwasiyya movement in a video made public on Tuesday, described the development as a painful and troubling political strategy that no true lover of Kano State would condone, regardless of their political leanings.
According to Kwankwaso, the system reportedly compels officials to record whether they support Kwankwasiyya or Gandujiyya, in the backdrop of widespread speculation about Governor Abba Yusuf’s possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Kwankwaso leads the Kwankwasiyya movement, while former Kano State Governor and ex–National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, heads the Gandujiyya movement.
“This is something that causes pain, something that no lover of this state of Kano, even if not a supporter of ours, would be happy with,” Kwankwaso stated in his address.
Kwankwaso, who served as the chairman of the party committee that oversaw the selection of local government chairmen and councillors, recalled the struggles and victories of his movement over the years.
“We examined these matters, we looked at history, and we saw how things developed, especially along this journey of ours. We saw what happened in 2015, and the kind of injustice we experienced,” he said.
“Our supporters suffered hardship for eight years, but because of trust in Allah and love for this state and for our movement, they endured patiently.”
Kwankwaso recalled the 2019 elections, noting that despite having no control of local government offices, no seats in the National Assembly, and only minimal representation in the State Assembly, his supporters mobilised in large numbers to secure victories for the Kwankwasiyya movement.
“Still, the people endured, they came out and chose our movement, and the election was won. But everyone knows the kind of schemes and plots that the plotters carried out in this state to deny us that seat,” he added.
He further reflected on the 2023 elections, noting that the current state government was elected with the promise of delivering relief, dignity, and development for the people of Kano.
Kwankwaso stressed that the political system he established emphasises loyalty and governance aligned with the values of Kwankwasiyya, warning that deviations often result in punitive measures.
He said, "Allah made us endure again, all of us together, until the year 2023 when another election was held. The people came out in greater numbers than before.
“This government that is currently in place was elected with the intention that the people would get relief, people would gain dignity, children would go to school, children would get employment, the state would be fixed, both urban and rural areas, and the poor would obtain relief in their daily lives.
"This began because of our system, a system which the person in office must follow. And if they do not follow it, then naturally there will be a change. Because governance in Kano State has always been a matter of light and darkness. Alhamdulillah, the people understood this, and we truly thank them very much.
"Now, in our present situation, especially at this moment, we looked at how we produced chairmen in Kano State, and councillors in Kano State, in an atmosphere of joy and happiness.”
“We selected people of integrity, people who are appropriate and acceptable to supporters. "We met with all the caucuses that exist in this state. From the local governments, the appropriate people were selected, and Alhamdulillah, we are proud of them, and we hope they will continue to work and continue to strive," he said.
Addressing those being pressured, Kwankwaso offered guidance and reassurance.
He said, “Now, in our present situation, especially at this moment, we looked at how we produced chairmen in Kano State, and councillors in Kano State, in an atmosphere of joy and happiness.
“We selected people of integrity, people who are appropriate and acceptable to supporters… Since this movement began, conflicts arose. I went to Bola Tinubu… people have been struggling with anger and conflicts in this state.
“Now, many chairmen have been calling us. Some councillors who are able to speak to me have spoken to me, as well as others holding positions and members of the State Assembly. They all spoke to me; some explained the condition they are in; some cannot sleep; some have fallen into depression; and some have even been put on intravenous fluids in hospitals.”
Kwankwaso called on all local government chairmen, councillors, supervisors, and officials who have been approached or told to sign political declarations to go ahead without fear.
He said, "This is a way of consulting people whom we believe it is appropriate to help so that relief can be provided for them. And there are still many of our responsibilities on the side of government, where we believe that taking a certain step beyond this could result in harm to people.
“That is why it is appropriate that all chairmen, councillors, supervisors, and everyone who has been approached and told to sign; there is no problem, they should sign.
"We know that what is being planned for 2027. The time of real conflict has not yet arrived. We place our trust in Allah, and we pray that Allah brings us to that time. Our supporters are everywhere; wherever they are, they know themselves, and we know them.
“This will create an opportunity for the tension currently in Kano State, especially for those who are being pressured, to reduce. There will be relief in the present situation, God willing."
The former governor concluded his address with a message of gratitude to the people of Kano and his political supporters.
He acknowledged their resilience amidst intimidation and surveillance, thanking them for their loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya movement and for enduring the pressures that have arisen from the current administration in the state.
He also thanked Governor Yusuf for public acknowledgment of Kwankwaso’s previous administration and its contributions to Kano State, noting that such recognition exposes attempts to undermine progress in the past.
He said, "I want to thank all the people, especially our caucuses, whom I heard are being pursued at their homes, receiving constant phone calls and intimidation, people who had been quiet for almost three years. All of this is part of what we expect Allah to use to resolve many problems.
"I thank the Executive Governor, especially for yesterday when he praised our government and exposed the secrets of that former government which blocked many things in our state, Kano State.
“Here, I thank all the people of Kano State, especially supporters, men and women and patriotic citizens, who continue to support us in this struggle we are undertaking. We pray that Allah grants us success.”