“There Are Calls for Me to Betray Kwankwaso, But I Won’t” – Gov Abba Yusuf

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has strongly denied allegations of discord with his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, amidst rising calls from within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for him to distance himself from the influential politician.

In a press briefing held on Wednesday in Kano, Governor Yusuf addressed widespread rumors that his relationship with Kwankwaso has soured, insisting that their bond, which spans over four decades, remains unshaken.

“I’ve worked with him for over 40 years, serving by his side and learning from his guidance,” Yusuf stated. “To suggest now that I am somehow ‘chained’ by him is not only inaccurate but also unfair. In all our years together, we have never had a rift, and I’m grateful for the support he’s shown me.”

The rumors come as a faction within the NNPP, dubbed “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (meaning “Abba, stand on your own”), has been urging Yusuf to assert greater independence from Kwankwaso, who founded the Kwankwasiyya movement and has played a pivotal role in shaping Kano politics. The group argues that Yusuf’s governance should be free of any perceived influence, calling it a “third term by proxy” under Kwankwaso’s direction.

Despite these calls, Yusuf remained steadfast in his loyalty, describing the faction’s message as an “insult” to his integrity and his long-standing relationship with Kwankwaso. “This ‘stand on your own’ slogan is the greatest insult I have faced as governor. People expect me to betray a man who has always supported me. That’s not who I am,” he stated firmly.

The tension within the NNPP has seen key figures within Yusuf’s administration facing consequences. Recently, the party suspended Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, Secretary to the State Government, and Muhammad Diggol, Commissioner of Transportation, citing disloyalty and suspected involvement in promoting the “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” campaign—allegations both officials have denied.

Additionally, two House of Representatives members, Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini (Dala) and Alhassan Rurum (Kibiya, Rano, and Bunkure), publicly broke from the Kwankwasiyya movement, echoing the call for Yusuf’s political independence.

Yusuf, however, downplayed the dissent, reiterating his loyalty to Kwankwaso and questioning the motives of those challenging this relationship. “Where were these critics when Kwankwaso was laying the foundation for what we’re achieving today in Kano?” he asked, underscoring the critical role his mentor has played in his political journey.

In closing, Yusuf warned against using divisive rhetoric, addressing supporters directly: “As of today, I don’t want to hear ‘stand on your own’ in Kano State or anywhere else. We were raised to respect our elders, not to insult them.”