A factional leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafi’u Bala Gombe, has criticised Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, accusing him of failing to act in the interest of Northern Nigeria when he had the opportunity.
Gombe made the remarks during an interview with Premier Radio in Kano, where he reacted to what he described as attempts by Kwankwaso to engage in discussions about the future of the North.
According to him, any such engagement with Kwankwaso lacks value, given his past actions.
“Kwankwaso called me, telling me this is the solution for the North, a way out. I said no. Any discussion concerning the North with people like you is rubbish,” he said.
He accused Kwankwaso of contributing to the challenges facing the region, saying he failed to act when he had the chance to make a difference.
“You were the same people the North was looking up to. You had the opportunity to save it and make a difference, but you refused. It was you people that killed the North,” Bala said.
Bala also alleged that Kwankwaso’s actions during the last general election weakened the region politically.
“Even in the last election, we begged Kwankwaso to step down for the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar. We asked him not to contest, but he refused and went ahead under a small party,” he said.
He claimed that Kwankwaso knew he would not win the election but still contested, which, according to him, divided Northern votes.
“He knew he was not going to win. The party he used is only known in Kano, but he still went ahead just to split votes from the North and pave the way for Tinubu,” he added.
Bala said the development has not been forgotten, warning that many in the region still remember what happened.
“We have not forgotten. People of Nigeria, especially in the North, have not forgotten, and we will not forget what you did,” he said.
He further stated that Kwankwaso does not have the moral right to speak on issues concerning the North, accusing him of prioritising personal interests over regional concerns.
“People like Kwankwaso do not have the gut to talk to me about North. Everyone knows they protect their own interests, not that of North. Anytime their interests are not met, they hide under North,” Bala said.
