UPDATED: Makinde, Dickson, Kwankwaso meet in Kano

•Obi in Kano •Bala, Makinde differ on reconciliation

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, on Sunday, paid a Sallah visit to the former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano State.

This was just as Mr.Obi promised to bring back the enterprises noted with the ancient city of Kano

Obi was accompanied by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

Speaking during the visit, Obi said the occasion was to felicitate with Kwankwaso and honour him during the festive period.

“I’m here to felicitate with you on the occasion of the Sallah and to pay my respects to our leader,” he said.

Obi also used the opportunity to assure residents of Kano of efforts aimed at reviving the state’s economic base, particularly its industrial sector.

He said plans were underway to restore the productivity of key industrial hubs in the state, including Bompai and the Sharada industrial layouts, as well as revive notable institutions such as the Bank of the North.

“We want to change Kano. We want to build a new Kano. What we want to do is to make sure that we bring back the powers of Kano and restore its industries,” he added.

He, however, stressed that the visit was not politically motivated but intended to celebrate the Sallah festival with the people.

However, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on Sunday, led a delegation comprising the senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Duckson, to pay Sallah homage on Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, at the Government House in Bauchi.

READ ALSO: Mammoth crowd as Kwankwaso visits Kano market

During the visit, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to unity, resilience, and national development.

Speaking to journalists, Makinde stated, “Your Excellency, my Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed, we’re here this afternoon to pay Sallah homage to our brother. So from all of us, especially the government and people of Oyo State, we want to say to you and the good people of Bauchi State, Barika de Sallah.”

He added: “And we’re also unmindful of the challenges you are going through, both personally and as a state, in terms of persecution, all of that. We just also want to say that we come to identify with you and the people of Bauchi State to say that we encourage you.”

He also stated: “You face challenges. That’s the price of a leadership. But, like I always say, any time that you see that people are not happy, that may endure for the night, but in the morning, joy will come. And our prayer is that with this season of celebration of the 30 days of sacrifice of the people to deny yourself of eating, merrying, our prayer is that, that sacrifice will not be in vain, and for you and the people of Bauchi State, joy will definitely come in the morning. Thank you and God bless you.”

Governor Makinde, while speaking during the visit, congratulated the government and people of Bauchi State on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and the Eid celebrations.

The Oyo State Governor encouraged his Bauchi State counterpart to remain steadfast, adding that sacrifices made during the holy month of Ramadan would not be in vain.

He emphasised that despite difficulties, “joy will surely come in the morning”, urging continued dedication to service and good governance.

In his response, Governor Bala Mohammed described the visit as significant, stating that Bauchi State holds such gestures of solidarity in high regard.

He commended Governor Makinde for his patriotism, courage, and consistent support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and national development.

Bala Mohammed further noted that operating from the opposition comes with challenges but maintained that with perseverance and divine support, progress remains achievable.

He thanked Governor Makinde for his unwavering support, both publicly and privately, stressing that their relationship is rooted in mutual respect and shared vision.

Bala Mohammed stated: “Honestly, it may look very simple, very casual, but we in Bauchi take such visitation and solidarity very seriously. Anywhere you see somebody like you who represents the opposition or symbolizes the opposition today, one is happy. it’s only me and you that remain out of the 14 of us that started the PDP Governors Forum. I thank you for staying with me.

“And I must say to our people that Oluseyi Makinde is really a patriot, somebody who believes in the Nigerian project, and who has always supported me to be able to navigate as a member of the PDP Governors Forum. And he has made and he’s making a lot of positive contributions to the party and to the growth and development of the country. I really cherish his drive and determination and his focus.

“Maybe because he’s an Engineer and a young man, but I think he’s an uncommon politician, who is really doing well by collapsing all barriers, all impediments here and there. And he’s very straightforward with his feelings.

Kwankwaso set to join ADC

The politics of Kano state ahead of the 2027 general elections will take a new dimension following the resolve of the leader of the Kwankwassiya movement and former governor of the state, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to dump the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

A credible source inside the Kwankwassiya movement, who pleaded for anonymity, said in an interview that the decision to leave NNPP to ADC will be made today.

According to him, “We can’t remain here (NNPP). The court has ruled in favour of one faction of the party. It has ruled in favour of NNPP (Mai kayan lambu)”.

Since the defection of the governor who was elected under the banner of NNPP in January, Kano politics has never remained the same again. It has always been accusations and counter accusations from the camps of the governor and Kwankwaso.

Thus, the direction of where the pendulum will swing surface with the recent the utterances of the  Kwankwaso while receiving the people of Gwale, who paid him a Sallah homage in his country home in Kano.

 Kwankwaso told the gathering during the Sallah message, “We fought for his (Gov Yusuf) victory with all our sweat. Day and night, we campaigned rigorously in all crannies of the state. In the course of the struggle many had died. Many had lost their fortunes.

“First we were denied our mandate in 2019. We accepted our fate and returned to our home. Again, we took up the battle this time around. We did not sleep; under the sun and rain we sacrificed our time and energy.

“Your solidarity with me in terms of challenges or what have you, you have said it privately and publicly. And I really appreciate; this is what we are made of. We have always faced challenges. Unfortunately for me, I have always operated from the opposition. And with all humility and modesty, God has always given us victory. And we are not really taking it for granted.”

He added: “I thank you most sincerely for coming and not only coming but also coming with members of my family on the other side of the country, from Bayelsa, because anywhere you see King Turner, and you see my younger brother, Ajibola, and of course, my Governor, that is Sen. Seriake Dickson, former Governor of Bayelsa, I will consider Bayelsa as my second home. Because of the way and manner I came to national limelight through Bayelsa and the former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. So anytime you see King Turner, you see Governor Dickson and my younger brother, you know my boss is here. We thank you for coming and we thank you for coming with us.

“We are with you forever because God does not make a mistake by bringing us together. We’ll continue to operate and serve Nigeria under any circumstances. And we’ll continue to be flexible to be able to navigate and by the grace of God, if God provides us the opportunity, rescue our party, the PDP, so that we can provide opportunity for Nigerians to express or actualise their democratic aspirations.”