Fresh political tension has erupted in Kano after the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) accused former Kano State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, of allegedly taking possession of 69 nomination forms meant for aspirants seeking various elective offices under the party.
The allegation was made by the Kano State Chairman of the PRP, Abdulkadir Musa Guza, during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Kano.
Guza claimed he travelled to Kaduna to participate in a party retreat and obtain nomination forms for aspirants in Kano who had already paid for them. However, he was reportedly informed that all available forms had already been purchased by another individual.
According to him, inquiries into the development led to a surprising revelation. He alleged that the National Secretary of the party informed him that Kwankwaso had obtained the forms amid discussions over a possible defection to the PRP.
“I was in Kaduna as State Chairman of PRP to participate at the party retreat and also obtained forms for my people who were contesting various offices in Kano and who paid for them, but I was told that somebody had purchased all the forms,” Guza said.
The PRP chairman argued that after several days passed without any indication that Kwankwaso intended to join the party, concerns began to grow within the organisation over the purpose of the forms.
He alleged that the development had thrown many party members and aspirants into uncertainty, leaving them unsure about their political future ahead of key electoral deadlines.
“We don’t know his mission, that is why we are telling every listening ear the situation,” Guza stated, adding that hundreds of aspirants have been affected by the confusion surrounding the nomination forms.
The party further warned that it may take legal action if the forms are not returned before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) closes the window for submission of candidates’ names.
Guza also claimed that the challenge is not unique to the PRP, alleging that other political parties are experiencing similar issues involving the acquisition of nomination forms and disruptions to their internal processes.
Neither Kwankwaso nor the Nigeria Democratic Congress had responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
