By Peter Omopo
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has hosted former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, amid reports of his planned defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku disclosed this in a post on his official X handle on Sunday, stating that the meeting focused on discussions about the state of the nation. He described the engagement as a “robust discussion” following what he termed a courtesy visit by the former Kano State governor.
The meeting comes ahead of Kwankwaso’s expected formal registration as a member of the ADC, as earlier announced by the Kwankwasiyya Movement, his political support base.
The political landscape in Kano State has witnessed significant shifts in recent months. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, a key member of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, recently defected from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a related development, the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, resigned from office amid a deepening political rift in the state. His resignation followed moves by the Kano State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against him over allegations including breach of trust, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.
The impeachment notice, reportedly signed by 38 lawmakers, was presented in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the procedure for the removal of a deputy governor.
Observers say the unfolding developments reflect ongoing political realignments in the state, particularly within the Kwankwasiyya Movement and its relationship with key political actors.
However, the movement has clarified that Abdussalam’s resignation is not linked to the allegations raised by the Assembly, stating that he is expected to focus on its activities going forward.
