KPRA warns against growing authoritarian trends in Kano
The Kano People’s Rights Alliance, KPRA, on Saturday issued a strong warning over what it described as growing authoritarian tendencies in Kano State.
Kwankwaso had earlier on Saturday, while reacting to reports that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is on the verge of dumping the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), said such a move would amount to a betrayal after the struggle to reclaim Kano from the party.
According to reports, Governor Yusuf’s defection to the national ruling party may be imminent, a development that could see Kwankwaso and the NNPP lose the only state they won in the 2023 general elections.
KPRA accused Kwankwaso of attempting to exercise excessive control over the current government led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The group said Kwankwaso was trying to dominate the state’s political space, describing such conduct as a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Maikano Danlami, the group claimed that Kwankwaso’s actions pose a serious threat to democratic governance and undermine the authority of the government elected by the people of Kano State.
KPRA said that when a former governor seeks to influence or control the activities of a sitting administration, it contradicts the will of the electorate and weakens democratic institutions in the state.
The group stated: “We need to remind Kwankwaso that the people of Kano have already expressed their choice through the ballot, and that decision must be respected.
“Kwankwaso’s attempts to control the political situation in Kano reflect a dangerous drift toward authoritarian rule. His actions suggest a desire to dominate the current government, silence the voices of the people, and disregard the democratic process that brought Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to power.
“This is not just a political maneuver; it is a violation of the rights of Kano citizens, who deserve the freedom to determine their own future without interference from outdated political practices.
“The Kano People’s Rights Alliance believes that the people of Kano must retain the power to shape their destiny. We reject the notion that a former governor should dictate the actions of an elected leader.
“The era of imposing personal will on the people must end. We call on Rabiu Kwankwaso to respect democratic principles and allow Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to perform his constitutional duties without interference.
“It is time for Kwankwaso to step aside and allow the current administration to carry out the mandate freely given to it by the people. We also urge the people of Kano to remain vigilant and alert to early signs of authoritarianism.
“It is our collective responsibility to defend democracy and ensure that leaders remain accountable to the people they serve. Fear or intimidation must not silence our voices or erode our rights.
“The Kano People’s Rights Alliance calls on all stakeholders, including civil society organisations, political parties, and the media, to join us in safeguarding democracy and protecting the rights of the people.
“Together, we can resist the rise of authoritarian control and ensure that the will of the people is respected.”
The group further urged residents of Kano State to remain watchful and conscious of early warning signs of dictatorship, stressing that the defence of democracy is a shared responsibility.
“The era of outdated political interference is over; the people of Kano deserve the freedom to determine their future within a fair and democratic system,” the statement added.
KPRA warns against growing authoritarian trends in Kano
