Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has insisted that the defection of Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the APC to the PDP has not changed the “political mood” in the state ahead of the 2019 general election.
He added that despite Kwankwaso’s defection, President Muhammadu Buhari would in 2019 get more than the votes he got from the state in 2015.
Recall that Kwankwaso and other 14 other senators earlier in the week defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to other political parties, mainly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
But Ganduje believes the defection of Kwankwaso, who is believed to have orchestrated Buhari’s massive victory in 2015, would not affect the political fortunes of Buhari and the APC in 2019.
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Speaking about the defection on Friday, Ganduje said, “We are not scared by their exit. Their defection doesn’t constitute any havoc to our great party, the APC, at all levels. People should keep eyes to what will happen during election.
“Our dear President has been doing the needful in terms of developing the nation, coupled with his efforts in efficient service delivery. Good governance at its peak. The war against corruption is successfully being waged.
“I want you to go and study the situation on ground in Kano, his defection does not change the political mood in the state. Nobody cares to be disturbed by their action.”
He added that “his (Kwankwaso’s) intention was to vie for presidency, but when it appeared to him, in black and white, that there is no vacancy in the Villa, he now decided to leave on his own.
“When he could secure a presidential ticket from the party he cross carpets, then he should wait and see how we can slug it out with him. He will fully understand how popular and loveable our President Muhammadu Buhari is.”
Ganduje insisted, “All chances of President Buhari, the party and our chances in Kano will not be affected because they leave the party.
“Kano will give more votes to our President, than what he got in 2015 election. From the 2015 election to date, those who could not vote because of age limit, are now grown up, meaning they will now be eligible to vote. Hence, Buhari stands the chance to get 5 million votes from Kano.”