By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Former Presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has directed his Kwankwasiyya movement supporters to get battle prepared for the worse case scenario in next year general elections.
Kwankwaso, who gave the directive on Monday while receiving the membership card of his new political platform African Democratic Congress (ADC) at his miler road residence, also directed his diehard loyalists to henceforth perfect their registration with the opposition party ahead of time and be well prepared for violence in the worst case scenario.
The former Governor, who dumped his last adopted political party NNPP at the weekend, urged Kwankwasiyya loyalists to do whatever it takes to defend their votes in the next election and tackle any element of the ruling APC..
Kwankwaso who spoke in Hausa directed his followers to prepare for “violence” in defense of their votes at the polling units and remain firmed across the polling units until their votes counted.
The leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, who instructed members to embark on aggressive registration of membership also urged them to activate their voter card registration to send the ruling APC parking in Kano and Nigeria.
Kwankwaso who was received by National Chairman of the party Senator David Mark, former President of the Senate, and other prominence figures, vowed to reclaim lost structure in Kano through whatever means including violence and confrontation.
“Let me, on behalf of my hundred faithful, my family, the Kano family, and the entire people of this state and all our supporters across the country, welcome our August visitors. We appreciate the Almighty Allah for showing us this very historic day because we were committed, and decided collectively to join the ADC.
“I’m so happy today that I have collected my membership card for ADC. And by taking this card, I am advising all of you to go back and immediately register. I am aware that many of you, during the celebration, you have decided to go and start registration which is okay. All those who have not registered, should go and register.
“And let me also remind you that by first April, in the next couple of days, INEC will start registration for voters card. You must make sure you register not only registration of party, you have to also with INEC to complete the process. You must prepare for the worse case scenario to defend your votes”,Kwankwaso said .
Kwankwaso who previously frowned at those galvanizing his support to join ADC claiming the party is is full of his enemies, the likes of Nasir Elrufai, Atiku Abubakar, Aminu Tambuwal among others who gave him tough times during his stay in PDP, are now his new friends.
Earlier, the National Chairman of ADC, Senator David Mark welcome Kwankwaso and millions of supporters to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) adding that the decision remains a significant step to strengthen democratic system for better Nigeria.
Mark reminded that Kwankwaso’s coming to ADC is not a merely political statement, but a deliberate response to the clarion call by well-meaning Nigerians and opposition leaders to be united and form common front to protect the nation’s democracy.
While accusing the ruling APC of mounting dangerous threat against multiparty democracy in Nigeria, Mark worried that Nigerians are witnessing a steady attempt to concentrate power in an individual and edge the nation toward a one-party state.
His words “There is no doubt that the ruling party, the APC represents the most dangerous threat to multiparty democracy in Nigeria today.
“At a time when Nigeria should be strengthening her democracy, we are witnessing a dangerous drift to weaken opposition.
“Your joining the ADC represents our collective resolve to align with the people.
“The ruling party is determined to leave the people with no choice. Nigerians must have a choice. Nigerians must have the right to choose.
“In a democracy, participation is everything. And anything that is done to close the space on participation is a direct attack on democracy and must be resisted through all lawful means.
“What we are witnessing today is one of those lawful means. It is our way of saying no to totalitarian rule in Nigeria. It is a way of saying, let the people decide.
“By coming together, we are sending a clear message, that the future of Nigeria cannot be built through domination, it must be built through participation.
“Leadership cannot be sustained by control; it must be earned through trust.
“The African Democratic Congress now stands as the rallying point of a new national movement, a movement of inclusion, competence, integrity, and progress.
“A movement not powered by coercion, but by ordinary Nigerians determined to reclaim their country”, Mark declared.
The occasion was attended by former Governors including Aminu Tamborawa of Sokoto State; Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State;
Emeka Ihedioha of Imo; former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Pastor Babachir Lawal, former Director General Department of State Service, Lawal Daura among others.
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