Facts have emerged as to what a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, told President Muhammadu Buhari on the eve of his defection to Peoples Democratic Party.
Hours after holding the meeting with the president, 15 senators of the APC, including Mr Kwankwaso, announced their decision to dump the ruling party.
Mr Buhari had earlier planned to see Mr Kwankwaso alongside other aggrieved senators, but was advised by Jigawa State governor, Badaru Abubakar, that Mr Kwankwaso’s case should be given isolated treatment because of its importance.
The meeting was attended by Governors Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, Kashim Shettima of Borno State and Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State.
An inside source who was privy to the meeting told DAILY NIGERIAN that the party chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, opened the meeting with a background of what transpired in his earlier meeting with Mr Kwankwaso and the efforts he was making towards keeping him in the party.
After Mr Oshiomhole’s introduction, the source said, the president spoke briefly, assuring him of his determination to wade into the crisis.
He also pleaded with him to remain in the party to re-contest for senator in 2019.
“We will intervene to ensure that your problem with Ganduje is resolved. There is no need for you leave despite your contributions to the party,” Mr President was quoted as saying.
But then it was Kwankwaso’s turn to speak, source said, the senator expressed surprise that the president was feigning ignorance of the crisis in the party and his feud with the governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje.
“First of all, as I earlier told Chairman Adams Oshiomole, I have no interest in going back to Senate.
“Mr President, remember that I had audience with you three times on this matter and you failed to take action,” Mr Kwankwaso was quoted as saying.
Those present at the meeting took turn to plead with Mr Kwankwaso to remain in party in view of his immense contribution to the success of the party, arguing that it does not tell of principles to go back to PDP.
The meeting, which lasted more than one hour, ended in stalemate, with Kwankwaso refusing to give them assurance that he would stay in the party without consulting his supporters.
