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…He is a stranded politician – Ganduje
By Jude Opara, Abuja
Admits the rumoured plan of the Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata says his possible defection will cause more crisis in the state chapter of the party.
Ata who spoke after paying courtesy visit on the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje said the state does not need Kwankwaso to deliver President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 because the state is gradually turning into a purely APC state.
This is as Ganduje described his immediate predecessor as Kano governor as a stranded politician who needs to be accommodated if he becomes humble enough to request for clearance to join the ruling party.
“When a fish is running out of water, that’s exactly what is happening. If the water is drying, the fish has to find its way into the water. So that is what is happening.
“I will not say we are not ready to welcome him. When you see your son running to where he would get shelter and you are a big brother in a big home, I think it is morally right to accommodate him. So we cannot say we cannot accommodate him because a friend in need is a friend indeed. Somebody who has been abandoned we should not allow him to wallow in darkness”.
The Minister further said the influence of Kwankwaso in Kano is no longer felt in the state because many people have come to realize that the former governor has lost relevance in the state.
He said; “The influence of Kwankwasia in Kano is weaning, today you can hardly see anybody wearing red cap in the state unlike before when people used to take them seriously.
“As I said, Kwankwaso is no longer active in Kano. He is only coming to APC, not that we invited him. Because he is going to die politically. I am assuring you and even Mr. President has all his records from the grassroots in Kano. He is no more attractive, no more alternative.
“So, he is struggling to be accommodated in the APC and his defection may bring a lot of crisis in the APC in Kano state. This is our position”.
On the reported decision of Governor Abba Yusuf to follow his mentor, Dr. Kwankwaso in any political movement he makes, the Minister said left for him, he will not be happy to have Kwankwaso in the party, unless the National Chairman, Dr. Ganduje decides to accommodate him.
“No, personally, I won’t be happy. Unless it is a decision from our father to accommodate him. I was in the House of Assembly in 1999 when Kwankwaso was the governor. So I know Kwankwaso very well. He is no more attractive in Kano. We have no deal, unless the National Chairman said as a banza, and as a leader, we should accommodate him. No problem”.
It could be recalled that Kwankwaso and Ganduje have been having a running battle over who controls the politics of Kano state, despite having worked earlier as governor and deputy.
