Governor Yusuf’s defection “Day of Freedom,” not betrayal – Ganduje

Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje hasresponded to remarks by the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP),Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, regarding the defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf fromthe party to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his camp would insteadcelebrate the day as the governor’s “Independence Day.” Ganduje made the statement during a condolence visit to theresidence of former Kano governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, over the death of hisbrother, where he reacted to Kwankwaso’s allegation that the governor’sdefection amounted to betrayal and disloyalty. “He considers me an enemy, but I am not his enemy; I am hisbrother,” Ganduje said. He added, “If he chooses to regard the day the governor leftthe NNPP, January 22, as ‘World Betrayal Day,’ then we will celebrate it as theday the governor gained his freedom.” The remarks come amid preparations for the formal receptionof Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into the All Progressives Congress (APC) onMonday, February 16.Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside other APCgovernors, is expected to attend the event in Kano. Governor Yusuf, who contested the 2019 and 2023 electionsunder the NNPP platform, announced his defection, citing internal crises that,according to him, had engulfed the party.

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