Former Governor of Kano State and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has brushed off assault threats made against him by his political rival, ex-governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Following Ganduje’s visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa on Friday evening, the ex-governor, in a candid conversation with State House correspondents, boldly proclaimed that he would have physically confronted Kwankwaso had they crossed paths at Aso Rock in Abuja.
This statement came in the wake of the demolition of numerous buildings in Kano State by the Abba Yusuf-led administration, an act that Ganduje accused his predecessor, Kwankwaso, of orchestrating.
In response to the assault threat, Kwankwaso swiftly dismissed Ganduje’s rhetoric, asserting that his political opponent would never dare to act upon such a statement.
Kwankwaso even referred to Ganduje as his “boy” in the political arena, suggesting a clear hierarchy between them.
During an interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso expressed his sentiments, stating, “I heard that he [Ganduje] said he would’ve slapped me, but I’m here. He was just confused. These are all my boys politically. They can’t even look at me straight in the face if we meet.”
Notably, Kwankwaso also revealed plans to collaborate with President Bola Tinubu, disclosing that Tinubu had offered him a position, although they have yet to finalize the details.
“We have discussed collaboration; however, a definitive decision is pending. After the inauguration of the National Assembly, we will determine the best course of action,” Kwankwaso explained.
Furthermore, Kwankwaso emphasized that he has no intentions of defecting from the NNPP, reinforcing his commitment to the party.
Regarding the demolition in Kano, Kwankwaso revealed that he had briefed the president about the situation, and they had reached a mutual understanding.
He clarified, “Tinubu initiated the conversation, after which I provided a comprehensive explanation, to which Tinubu expressed surprise upon discovering that the information relayed to him was false.”
He continued, “During our discussion, he (Tinubu) seemed astonished and was speechless at the information conveyed to him. We unequivocally prohibit any governor, irrespective of who they are, including Ganduje or Abba, from constructing on sites designated for mosques, schools, or other similar purposes. We will inform them that it is unacceptable.”
