…Ruling Party Demands Public Retraction of Past Remarks Against Tinubu, Shettima, Amidst Speculation of Defection.
By Dogo Suleiman.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has signaled a cautious welcome to Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s speculated return to the party, but with a significant caveat: a public apology for his past derogatory statements against President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, the Kano APC Chairman, made this position clear during a press briefing held in Kano on Friday.
Abbas emphasized the APC’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and its commitment to welcoming defectors from all political parties. “Of recent, the attention of the party has been drawn to speculations of the impending decamping of the leader of the expelled faction of the NNPP, Senator Kwankwaso, into the party,” he stated.
While acknowledging Kwankwaso’s right to join any political party of his choice, Abbas framed the potential move as a “welcome development,” suggesting that the APC represents Kwankwaso’s “last political refuge.” He asserted that Kwankwaso had “successfully destroyed his relations with all other political groupings in the country.”
The Kano APC Chairman reiterated the party’s directive to its ward chapters to open registers for new defectors, irrespective of their political or social standing, in accordance with the party’s constitution. “We advise all those desirous of joining our esteemed party to go to their respective wards and register,” he said.
He also assured existing party officials that their positions remained secure, emphasizing that “any old or new entrants, shall be free to exercise his/her constitutional rights of voting or being voted for without any special preference.”
However, Abbas made it clear that the APC would not tolerate any “cult-like associations” within its ranks and that the party was aware of individuals “desperate” to join due to their “political leprosy.”
The core demand of the Kano APC centered on Kwankwaso’s past criticisms of Tinubu and Shettima. “We unequivocally call on all those prospective decampees who have earlier made derogatory statements against our leaders, President Bola Tinubu and his Vice, Sen. Kashim Shettima to offer a public apology,” Abbas declared. “This should be done as a sign of remorse, and respect for future relationships.”
This conditional welcome highlights the delicate political maneuvering taking place in Kano State, as the APC seeks to expand its influence while maintaining party discipline and respect for its leadership. The demand for a public apology underscores the potential for future political alliances to be built on a foundation of reconciliation and mutual respect.
