Yusuf Mocks NDC for Boycotting Bye-Election, Says Party Feared Defeat
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has mocked the New Democratic Congress (NDC) for failing to participate in the recent Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency bye-election, claiming the party stayed away because it feared an inevitable defeat.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesman, Mr. Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor described the NDC as a “mushroom political movement” that lacks a visible grassroots structure capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
According to Yusuf, the party’s decision not to field a candidate in the contest was a clear indication that it had no confidence in its electoral strength.
“The decision by the NDC to stay away from the contest was borne out of fear of inevitable defeat, knowing fully well that it lacked the support required to compete with the APC,” the governor said.
Yusuf argued that the outcome of the bye-election further exposed what he called the weakness of opposition elements in the state and demonstrated the growing acceptance of the APC among the electorate.
He maintained that the “massive turnout” of voters and the peaceful conduct of the election showed that the people remained firmly behind the APC and its programmes.
“The result of the election sends a strong message that the APC remains the dominant political force in Kano State and is well positioned for greater victories in future elections,” he stated.
The governor also described the outcome of the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency poll as a litmus test for the APC’s expected success in the 2027 general elections.
He said the election was conducted in a free, fair and credible manner, reflecting the genuine choice of the electorate, while commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful exercise.
“The conduct and outcome of the election have further reinforced public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process,” Yusuf added.
The governor congratulated the APC candidate on his victory and urged him to remain committed to the aspirations of the people through effective and purposeful representation.
He also congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nantawe Yilwatda, over what he described as the party’s success in recent bye-elections across the country.
Yusuf reassured residents of Kano State that his administration would continue to implement people-oriented projects and programmes aimed at improving their welfare and development.