Alleged thuggery: Kano APC tackles Kwankwasiyya movement

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kano, has sharply denied allegations that its members and supporters are engaged in thuggery and physical attacks against the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the state.

Our Correspondent reports that the Kwankwasiyya Movement, a political bloc within the NNPP had accused the APC of violent attacks and thuggery against its members engaged in lawful gathering in Kano.

The Movement strongly condemned what it described as, “the brazen and unprovoked attack carried out by armed political thugs linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against our members during a peaceful and lawful political gathering in Rogo Local Government Area of Kano State.”

A statement by the Movement’s Spokesperson, Dr, Habibu Sale Mohammed, indicated that: “Our members had gathered to formally receive prominent defectors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). This gathering was not only peaceful but fully lawful, as the organizers had duly notified and obtained the necessary clearance from both the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).”

But in a counter statement by Kano APC Publicity Secretary, Hon. Auwalu Soja Gwale, the ruling party denied the allegations, insisting that the thuggery and political attacks were orchestrated by warring factions within the NNPP, identifying the Kwankwasiyya Movement as one of them.

According to Gwale, the APC remained a law-abiding political party committed to peaceful democratic engagement and respectful political competition, stressing that the party has never encouraged violence against members of rival political parties.

Gwale further stated that it was surprising that the NNPP chose to accuse the APC instead of addressing what he described as internal tensions arising from defections and political realignments within its ranks.

Gwale maintained that the APC support a thorough and impartial investigation by relevant security agencies into the reported disturbances.

He noted that anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law regardless of political affiliation.

According to him, APC leadership urge political actors in Kano state to avoid actions or statements capable of escalating tensions.

Gwale insisted that political disagreements should not degenerate into violence.