The Kwankwasiyya Movement has clarified its position regarding the ongoing bye-elections in Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Assembly constituencies, following the deaths of the sitting legislators representing the areas.
In a statement signed by the Movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, Ph.D, the group said its National Leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, initially endorsed the nomination of the late legislators’ children as party flag bearers, citing compassion, continuity, and respect for the deceased members’ sacrifices.
This arrangement was agreed upon by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) during the mourning period.
However, the situation reportedly shifted after the state governor defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). New nominations were made under the APC banner, including the House Leader in Ungogo Local Government and a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor for Kano Municipal.
According to the Movement, these nominees were pressured to resign their NNPP membership to contest on the APC platform.
Despite political pressure, Kwankwaso reportedly maintained his original stance, emphasizing that the children of the deceased legislators should be allowed to contest in the bye-elections, regardless of party affiliation.
The Movement stated that the NNPP did not replace these candidates, highlighting that its recognized state structure remains the legitimate party authority in Kano.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement also clarified that the NNPP has no candidate on the ballot, as officially recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and urged the public to disregard misinformation being circulated for political advantage.
The statement reaffirmed the Movement’s commitment to loyalty, justice, compassion, and respect for the sacrifices of its fallen members, framing the decision as rooted in principle rather than political expediency.