A former Governor of Kano state, Rabiu Kwankwaso has formally declared that he would be running from Presidency in 2019
The former governor had wanted to declare his presidency at Eagle Square in Abuja, but according to claims by the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, he was denied this right by the Federal government.
Despite this, Kwankwaso’s supporters were out in full color sporting his customary white and red ensemble as they moved in droves to lend their support to their candidate.
KWANKWASO DECLARES: unbowed by denial of access to Eagles Square and ICC, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso locks down the Jabi district of Abuja in an ongoing declaration for the 2019 presidential election #kwakwasyia #RedCap pic.twitter.com/9suGbMk5er
— OrderPaper (@OrderPaper) August 29, 2018
The denial of Eagle square for Kwankwaso’s announcement has drawn criticism from many politicians with many stating that this was an attempt at suppression.
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One of those to speak against it was Presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar who took to his Twitter so condemn the move and also remind Buhari that when it was his turn in 2015 he wasn’t denied the use of the historical square.
“The last minute cancellation of an approval granted @RMKwankwaso is unfortunate.
“On October 15, 2014, under the @officialPDPNig led administration, then presidential aspirant; @MBuhari, declared for President at Eagle Square with no hindrance whatsoever. This was a work day.” Atiku Tweeted.
Also on Kwankwaso’s side was Senate President Bukola Saraki who also condemned the move by the Federal government
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Mr Saraki stated that the “Eagle Square belongs to all Nigerians.”
He said in the statement: “The refusal to allow Senator Kwankwaso to utilize the Eagle Square for his Presidential declaration, despite an earlier approval, sends a wrong message about our democracy, particularly the tolerance level in our politics.
“That square belongs to all Nigerians because it was built with public funds. We hope this is not what we will be seeing as we approach the 2019 General Elections,”
According to Premium Times, the management of the Square had agreed to let Kwankwaso use the venue and payment had been effected only for them to renege on the agreement. The Presidential aspirant was forced to move his announcement to Chida hotel in Abuja.
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