There was anxiety yesterday over former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso’s political future. There were rumours that he had defected to the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).
It was learnt that many PDP bigwigs had been disturbed over Senator Kwankwaso’s next move.
But the former governor yesterday said he was still in APC and yet to give defection any thought.
According to sources, APC leaders were jolted yesterday by the alleged defection of Kwankwaso.
A party leader, who spoke in confidence, said: “We were all shocked by the news of Kwankwaso’s exit from APC because Kano State was strategic to our victory in 2015.
“We have not been able to get in touch with the ex-governor, but we have doubts on the veracity of the news in some media.
“We know that Kwankwaso is a straightforward politician, he does not take action through the backdoor.
“We are however trying to establish contact with him to know the truth.”
Responding to a question, the party source said: “The party is no doubt aware of a disagreement between the ex-governor and some APC leaders, especially his successor, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
“The leadership of APC has been doing its best to resolve the intra-party crisis. And in fairness, Kwankwaso has been cooperating with the party.”
A member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of APC said: “We have been receiving enquiries from our leaders on Kwankwaso. We believe that some elements somewhere were flying a kite to create a crisis in our party. We suspect desperation on the part of some PDP elements.
“We don’t know why the opposition is interested in defection of APC leaders. Are they short of credible leaders and trying to poach some in APC?”
The Personal Assistant to the ex-governor, Mallam Nafiu Umar Dankura, dispelled “the rumour and fake news that is circulating in some online media and radio stations that the Distinguished Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has defected to PDP”.
“This is not true as the Distinguished Senator is a strong pillar of APC and he is still an APC card holder.
“The senator has not at anytime thought of decamping to PDP.”
Asked if the PDP had made overtures to Kwankwaso, Dankura said: “There has never been anything like that. PDP was only calling on all their members that left the party to come back. It wasn’t just about him.”
