A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, has dismissed reports suggesting that a number of intending pilgrims may be unable to participate in the 2025 Hajj.
He described them as an attempt to undermine the leadership of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Kwankwaso argued that the report was a deliberate effort to derail NAHCON’s leadership and an attack on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He urged the public, particularly intending pilgrims, to disregard the claims, assuring them that Professor Pakistan is fully capable of managing the Hajj process.
“Our attention has been drawn to misleading media reports alleging that thousands of intending pilgrims may miss the 2025 Hajj. This is a blatant falsehood designed to sabotage the leadership of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan,” Kwankwaso stated.
He accused opposition elements of orchestrating a smear campaign against the NAHCON chairman, fearing that his leadership would bring much-needed reforms.
“We are aware that this campaign of calumny is being sponsored by the opposition, who are afraid that if allowed to continue, Professor Pakistan will transform the system, as demonstrated by his impressive performance so far.”
Kwankwaso also claimed that certain individuals were funding media attacks to spread misinformation.
“Some hack writers are being sponsored by the same opposition figures to peddle lies and spread unverified information about Professor Pakistan. This is a mere distraction aimed at ensuring the Tinubu administration fails, but they will not succeed.”
He criticized the timing of the report, noting that it targeted the NAHCON chairman despite his efforts to ensure a smooth 2025 Hajj.
“It is ironic that they chose to attack him despite his outstanding performance and commitment to making the 2025 Hajj seamless.”
He further clarified that the cancellation of contracts linked to the controversy was a decision made by Saudi authorities, not NAHCON.
“The NAHCON chairman had already addressed these concerns. The contracts in question were canceled by the Saudi authorities, not by him. This was clearly explained, yet detractors continue to mislead the public.”
Kwankwaso reassured intending pilgrims that preparations for the 2025 Hajj remain on track.
“I urge intending pilgrims to remain calm. Professor Pakistan was appointed by President Tinubu on merit, and he has the capacity to deliver. The 2025 Hajj will be one of the best in Nigeria’s history. Pilgrims will be grateful to President Tinubu for appointing him.”
He also referenced Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent statement, which dismissed concerns over the alleged contract dispute.
“His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, has already clarified that there is no cause for alarm. No registered pilgrim will be left behind, and NAHCON is fully committed to delivering on its mandate for the 2025 Hajj.”
Kwankwaso warned that those seeking to undermine NAHCON’s leadership through falsehoods are, in reality, working against the Tinubu administration.
APC chieftain slams opposition over ‘false’ NAHCON claims
