Shekarau: How Kwankwaso tricked, betrayed me, my associates

Former Kano State Governor and Senator representing Kano Central senatorial district, Ibrahim Shekarau, has accused the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, of neglecting the request submitted for inclusion of his (Shekarau) associates as party’s candidates.

Shekarau said his numerous reminders to Kwankwaso before the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were not appreciated.

The former governor, however, dispelled insinuations that he was dumping NNPP, saying his Shura management would study the recommendation earlier submitted by his Advisory Council.

Shekarau, who said it became imperative to react to the media interview granted by Kwankwaso, disclosed this when he met with his supporters and associates in Kano on Monday.

He said he has been consulting with Kwankwaso to carry his supporters along but to their surprise, they heard in the media that the NNPP leader said they joined the party late.

The senator said: “We consulted our brother Kwankwaso prior to even his joining NNPP when he was in PDP and I was in APC. After we agreed to join NNPP, prior to closing submission of list to INEC, we designed areas and places to field candidates for state to Federal Government. I met him alone on 5 May at about 8:30. Two of us alone, he said he’ll study it and suggest to his advisory team.

“On 15th May, I went to his house and reminded him of our submission of proposal. He said that he will come and discuss with me. On 16th May, he came to my house and we discussed. He called Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, Kawu Sumaila, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Aminu Abdussalam, he said he gave them the work and we told him we need to inject our people.

“On the 17th May, a day after, I summoned advisory team of Shura of what happened. Some said everything should be written but I said no let’s have confidence and have faith in them.

“On the 18th May, after our decamping, we announced our reasons to the media and public that we ditched APC because of injustice. That day we saw list of purported NNPP candidates. On Thursday 19 May I boarded plane to Abuja and sought audience from Kwankwaso at his convenience.

“We’ve agreed after Isha prayer. I went to his house and told him we’ve seen list with my name only and Shehu Kura. What’s the position of our submission? He said his four man committee will be given the work. I suggested to add four from my camp to make it 8. He agreed and we planned to fix date…

“On 20th May, I have written to him what we’ve discussed to avoid forgetfulness in a text message.

“June 1, I reminded Kwankwaso of the committee work he promised to talk to them. On 2 June I discussed with Prof Rufai alkali national chairman of the NNPP and I advised him to talk to Kano chair.

“On his declaration day, I reminded him of the committee pending work. Time was going, we resolved to meet alongside his closet aides Kwankwaso, Abba, party chair, Umar Muhammad, and I. The chair gave issue but said he submitted their proposal to party chair, Doguwa.

“On July 4, the chairman brought out their proposal. We added chairman to the committee making them 9. They have written recommendation for candidates from both sides. 9 of them signed and gave me a copy and to Kwankwaso.

“15 July, I printed two copies of the report and took them to his house. I gave him like 10 minutes. He said he had no objection and I said the same. He called Abba Kabir Yusuf and told me they have accepted the report and be implemented in three days. Two weeks after Abba didn’t call for meeting until INEC closed submission of candidate in July and on August 12 substitution closed. Then he called for a meeting.”

Shekarau added that after the deadline elapsed “we called Advisory committee and we set up committee to advise us on the way forward. We accept the report on Thursday, will study and consult, and in a few days, we will announce our stand.

“I wouldn’t have open up if not for Kwankwaso guilty conscience that he talked to the media.

“We want to set the record straight on the saying that we were late. So that people can be well informed.

“It is better to abandon politics than to live in injustice and deception.

“Did we take directive before joining where we are now? Shall we then seek your permission to join others?” the former governor said.

According to Shekarau, there is still room for negotiation even within the NNPP, saying he has been talking with other parties.

The Star

Aminu Adamu Naganye