Kano’s New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)-led government has raised serious alarms over what it describes as a covert plot by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to establish a parallel government in the state, a move it argues threatens both the stability of the state and the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.
Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, made this startling revelation on Monday, warning that the APC’s actions could destabilize the state and lead to unprecedented chaos.
Addressing the issue during a press conference, Waiya took aim at the APC’s reported intention to form a shadow government in Kano. “The recent declaration made by the National Chairman of the APC Patriotic Volunteers, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, about the formation of a shadow government in Kano is not only a dangerous political maneuver, but also an unconstitutional act that threatens the democratic order,” Waiya stated.
He went on to condemn the idea of a “shadow government” as politically motivated and illegal under the country’s governance framework. “The idea of shadow governments is a concept rooted in parliamentary systems, such as the UK, and has no place in a presidential system like ours. The constitution does not provide for any form of government other than the one duly elected by the people,” Waiya asserted.
The Commissioner’s statement follows an announcement by Alhaji, who heads a faction of APC supporters, claiming that the formation of a shadow government in Kano would allow the opposition to hold the current government accountable. The announcement has sparked fierce debates across political lines, with critics claiming it signals a move to bypass the legitimate authority of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration.
Waiya accused the APC of trying to destabilize Kano through reckless political moves. “This so-called shadow government is merely a façade for political desperation. The APC has clearly lost its influence in the state, and now, some factions are attempting to create an alternative government to salvage their relevance,” he stated.
The Kano government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the NNPP, has been making strides in improving the state’s infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economy. Under Yusuf’s leadership, the state government has allocated unprecedented resources toward education, health, and infrastructure projects, earning praise from many sectors. The government has also prioritized youth and women empowerment, investing heavily in poverty reduction programs.
“We are committed to sustainable development. This administration is making significant strides in key sectors, from education to healthcare, transforming Kano into a modern economic hub. No amount of political scheming will derail our efforts,” Waiya declared.
However, despite these achievements, the APC has remained a formidable political force in the state, challenging the NNPP’s claims of widespread support. The APC has insisted that its decision to form a shadow government is a necessary step to ensure accountability and transparency in the state’s leadership. Alhaji’s statement reflects the frustrations of APC supporters, who argue that the current government’s actions lack proper oversight.
In response, Waiya emphasized the legality of the current administration’s authority. “Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was lawfully elected by the people of Kano State. His government has the mandate to govern, and the APC’s attempt to undermine this process is nothing short of a threat to the democratic order,” he said.
The Commissioner also reiterated the state government’s commitment to upholding law and order. “We will not stand by and watch as individuals or groups attempt to create anarchy. The Kano State Government is prepared to take decisive action against any person or group who engages in activities that jeopardize the peace and stability of our state,” he warned.
In his statement, Waiya also underscored the importance of national unity and political stability in a democratic system. “Democracy is about respecting the will of the people. It is not about seeking to override their decision with a parallel government. The people of Kano have spoken, and their choice is clear—Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is their leader,” he added.
The debate surrounding the shadow government proposal has created ripples in Nigerian politics, with critics from various quarters accusing the APC of undermining democratic institutions. Political analysts argue that the creation of a shadow government is not only constitutionally questionable but could also destabilize the country’s already fragile political landscape.
In addition to raising concerns about the legality of the shadow government idea, Waiya also pointed to the broader implications for national security. “Any attempt to set up a government within a government has serious consequences. It opens the door to chaos, and ultimately, the stability of Kano and even the nation could be at risk. We call on the federal government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene and prevent these divisive actions,” Waiya urged.
The shadow government scheme has drawn comparisons to other instances in Nigerian history where opposition parties attempted to establish parallel structures of governance, often resulting in political conflicts. In such instances, political crises have often led to a loss of public confidence in democratic institutions, which could set back progress in the country.
Despite the growing political storm, the Kano government remains resolute. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration has promised to continue pushing for reforms, including improvements in the civil service, infrastructure, and social welfare programs, regardless of the political distractions posed by the opposition.
“The NNPP-led government in Kano is here to stay. We have a mandate, and we will continue to serve the people who elected us. The APC can try all it wants to disrupt our progress, but it will fail,” Governor Yusuf affirmed.
