The political landscape of Kano State, Nigeria, has become a battleground of words between the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). The spark igniting this verbal exchange was a statement by Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC, who dismissed the NNPP as a “dying party” in Kano. This dismissive remark drew a sharp retort from Tosin Odeyemi, the Osun State Chairman of the NNPP, who challenged Ganduje’s assessment and highlighted the NNPP’s growing strength in the state. Odeyemi’s response underscored the contrasting narratives surrounding the political dynamics in Kano, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the two parties.
Odeyemi’s core argument centered on the performance of Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration, which he credited with earning the trust and support of the Kano populace. He portrayed Yusuf as a dedicated leader focused on improving the lives of the people, contrasting this with what he implied was Ganduje’s self-serving governance. Odeyemi’s remarks painted a picture of a state where the NNPP’s focus on service delivery had resonated with the electorate, creating a strong foundation of support that he believed Ganduje’s APC could not easily dismantle. This narrative of effective governance served as the bedrock of Odeyemi’s confidence in the NNPP’s future in Kano.
Further fueling the exchange was Ganduje’s claim that several NNPP stalwarts were poised to defect to the APC. He cited the recent distribution of vehicles and motorcycles to party officials as evidence of the APC’s renewed vigor and attractiveness. Odeyemi dismissed this assertion, framing the distribution of resources as a desperate attempt to buy loyalty rather than a genuine resurgence of support. He questioned Ganduje’s understanding of the political reality in Kano, suggesting that the former governor was out of touch with the sentiments of the people. This back-and-forth over potential defections highlighted the underlying struggle for political dominance in the state.
As the war of words escalated, Odeyemi issued a direct challenge to Ganduje: to test his popularity in Kano by holding a street rally. This challenge aimed to expose what Odeyemi perceived as Ganduje’s inflated sense of influence. He posited that such a rally would reveal the true level of support for each party, effectively putting Ganduje’s claims to the test. By framing the challenge in terms of public demonstration, Odeyemi sought to shift the debate from rhetoric to a tangible display of popular support.
Odeyemi’s confidence in the NNPP’s standing stemmed from his belief that the party had redefined governance in Kano. He portrayed the NNPP as a force for positive change, contrasting it with what he characterized as the APC’s past failures. This portrayal aimed to solidify the NNPP’s image as the party of the people, further distancing it from the APC in the eyes of the electorate. By emphasizing the NNPP’s commitment to serving the people, Odeyemi sought to establish a clear narrative of contrasting leadership styles.
In closing, Odeyemi cautioned Ganduje against relying on potentially biased reports from his aides, suggesting that such reliance could lead to miscalculations and further political missteps. He urged Ganduje to engage directly with the reality on the ground in Kano, implying that a more accurate assessment of the political climate would reveal the NNPP’s true strength. This final admonition served as a parting shot in the ongoing verbal duel, leaving the question of political dominance in Kano hanging in the balance, awaiting the next move in this unfolding political drama.
