The Kwankwasiyya Movement has clarified the reasons behind its decision not to participate in the forthcoming bye-elections for two State Assembly seats in Kano State.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesperson of the movement, Habibu Sale Mohammed, PhD, said the absence of the New Nigeria Peoples Party from the contest aligns with the directive of its National Leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who had advocated that the children of the late lawmakers be nominated to fill the vacant seats left by their fathers.
The statement read, “Nigerians may recall that the tragic demise of the sitting members representing these constituencies occurred on the same day. Both were elected on the platform of the NNPP and were committed members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement until their passing.
“In the spirit of compassion, continuity, and respect for their sacrifices, our National Leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, deemed it morally appropriate to support the nomination of their children as flag bearers of the party.
“This decision was subsequently adopted by the party as a consensus arrangement during the mourning period.
“However, following the governor’s defection to the All Progressives Congress, 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 and a Senior Special Assistant to the governor for Kano Municipal, reportedly to lead the party into the elections.
“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.
“Under intense political pressure, the nominees were compelled to resign their NNPP membership and move to the APC platform.
“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.
“Kwankwaso 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 recognised and legitimate NNPP structure in the state.
“The Kwankwasiyya Movement remains consistent in its principles: loyalty, justice, compassion, and respect for the sacrifices of our fallen members. We urge the public to disregard attempts to distort the facts for political advantage,” the statement said.
