Ibrahim Waiya, has clarified that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was driven by the collective interest of Kano State residents, not by political survival or personal ambition.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday, Waiya dismissed suggestions that the governor’s move was a betrayal of voters, insisting that it reflects a strategic decision to strengthen governance in the state.
“Our defection to APC is not about political survival, it’s not about us, it’s not about serving our interests, but rather it’s about the entire interests of the people of Kano”, he said.
The commissioner explained that prolonged internal crises within the NNPP, including competing leadership factions and court-recognized disputes, had created challenges for effective governance.
“Why will you continue to stay in a party which is so much bedevilled with a lot of crises?” Waiya asked, noting that the governor could not afford to be entangled in party disputes at the expense of serving citizens.
According to Waiya, the governor’s priority remains governance and service delivery. He highlighted ongoing projects across Kano, with over 900 initiatives executed in the state’s 44 local government areas, ranging from infrastructure development to job creation and women empowerment programs.
Waiya also addressed concerns that some voters who supported the governor under the NNPP might feel alienated, stressing that extensive consultations with party stakeholders and local leaders preceded the move. “The people are very much fully convinced, and they have all in total agreement with the decision of His Excellency”, he said.
Responding to questions about potential conflicts within the APC, Waiya assured that party leaders, including the Gandhije faction, have pledged support for Governor Yusuf, emphasizing unity for the progress and development of Kano State.
He further noted that frequent defections in Nigerian politics should not be seen as a threat to democracy but rather as part of a dynamic political process where citizens’ interests are prioritized.
“Democracy is about service to the people. Aligning with a party that provides the platform to execute development projects should not be viewed as betrayal”, he said.
Waiya also stressed the importance of focusing on results rather than party labels, urging political actors and the public to judge leaders based on their ability to deliver essential services. He added, “What matters most is the convergence of ideas and the commitment to improving the lives of the people, and that is exactly what Governor Yusuf is pursuing.”
Triumph Ojo
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