Kano by-elections: Kwankwasiyya defends support for children of deceased lawmakers
Kwankwasiyya Movement Backs Children of Deceased Lawmakers in By-Elections
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has publicly defended its support for the children of two deceased lawmakers in the upcoming by-elections for the Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Assembly. The movement has stated that this decision is rooted in compassion and respect rather than political motives.
In a press release on Saturday, spokesperson Habibu Sale Mohammed noted the significant loss felt following the deaths of the lawmakers, who represented the Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies. “The tragic demise of the sitting members representing these constituencies occurred on the same day,” Mohammed remarked, emphasizing their dedication to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Mohammed stated that the movement’s national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, considered it morally appropriate to support the children of the deceased lawmakers as candidates during this mourning period. “In the spirit of compassion, continuity, and respect for their sacrifices, our National Leader deemed it suitable to endorse their children as the party’s flag bearers,” he explained, noting that the decision was reached through a consensus within the party.
However, the political landscape shifted after Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Mohammed alleged that new nominations were submitted by the APC shortly before the deadline for candidate submissions to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), involving a House Leader in Ungogo Local Government and a Senior Special Assistant to the governor for Kano Municipal.
“It was only after sensing public backlash and widespread disapproval that a sudden reversal occurred,” he claimed. “The same individuals, initially nominated under NNPP, were adopted as APC flag bearers and, under political pressure, were forced to resign from the NNPP.”
Despite these developments, Mohammed asserted that Kwankwaso has maintained his original stance. “Our National Leader, in his characteristic statesmanship and respect for the bereaved families, resolved to uphold his initial position,” he said. He added that Kwankwaso believes the children of the deceased lawmakers should still be permitted to return to the State Assembly, regardless of their new political affiliations.
Mohammed revealed that the NNPP has intentionally not substituted the candidates’ names even following their resignation from the party. “This action clearly demonstrates that there is only one recognized and legitimate NNPP structure in the state,” he stated. He argued that were there any other legitimate faction, its candidates would be appearing on the ballot.
He noted that the absence of NNPP candidates in the by-elections, as shown in INEC’s official records, should “put to rest all speculation and misinformation.” The Kwankwasiyya Movement reiterated its commitment to principles of loyalty, justice, compassion, and respect for the sacrifices of its fallen members, urging the public to ignore any attempts to distort the facts for political gain.
