A factional leader of Nigeria’s African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafi’u Bala Gombe, has criticised Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, dismissing his proposals on resolving challenges in northern Nigeria and accusing him of contributing to the region’s political setbacks.
Speaking in a strongly worded statement, Gombe said Kwankwaso had previously reached out to him with what he described as “a solution for the North” and “a way out,” but he rejected the overture outright.
“I told him no,” Gombe said. “Any discussion concerning the North with people like you is meaningless, because you are among those who have played a role in bringing the country to its current state.”
Gombe further alleged that during Nigeria’s most recent general election, efforts were made by political stakeholders in the North to persuade Kwankwaso to step down in support of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to him, Kwankwaso declined the appeal and instead contested under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), a move Gombe claims fragmented the northern vote.
“He chose to proceed with his candidature under a smaller platform, which ultimately divided our votes and created an advantage for Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Gombe said.
