Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has categorically denied allegations of a conflict with his political mentor and the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Yusuf also described a political group – “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (meaning “Abba, stand on your own”), which was formed to encourage him to make decisions independently of Kwankwaso’s input as ‘the greatest insult’ he has ever faced as a governor.
Naija News understands that the faction formed within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) recently gained attention, with the group calling Governor Yusuf to distance himself from his political mentor.
The movement’s momentum has increased, with members from both the party and other political circles pushing for Yusuf’s perceived autonomy.
Addressing the group’s stand, Governor Yusuf said: “This ‘stand on your own’ slogan is the greatest insult I have faced as governor. It implies that I should repay good with bad. What has Kwankwaso done to me to deserve this? All the good we are doing for the people is overlooked, and instead, they promote this divisive rhetoric,” Yusuf remarked, adding, “It’s as if people do not know what we are doing for them.”
He made this statement during a press briefing in Kano yesterday, addressing the circulating speculations and rumours of a rift with Kwankwaso.
The governor reaffirmed that his relationship with Kwankwaso remains robust and respectful, as it has been for the last four decades.
Assertions On Yusuf-Kwankwaso Relationship
Naija News reports that within the Kwankwasiyya movement and the NNPP, there have been claims suggesting that Kwankwaso wields undue influence over Yusuf’s administration, with some asserting that he dictates policy decisions, effectively orchestrating a “third term by proxy.”
Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, the House of Representatives member for Dala Federal Constituency, who recently distanced himself from Kwankwaso, alleged that the tensions between Governor Yusuf and Kwankwaso are rooted in disputes over a drug contract and a state-sponsored scholarship program.
Nevertheless, Yusuf dismissed these claims, reiterating his independence while expressing his appreciation and loyalty to Kwankwaso.
The Governor said: “There is no truth in the rumours of a misunderstanding between us.
“In my 40 years of knowing him, tell me, who among politicians has stayed with someone this long and still maintained harmony? When he was governor, I served as his personal assistant, always by his side. In all these years, we have never had a rift. To now suggest that I am somehow chained by Kwankwaso is simply unfair.
“Even just two days ago, I visited him and told him about these rumours. I said, ‘I am surprised. Do people expect me to insult the man who stood by me?’ This is someone who has been there for me, and now some want me to go against him. It is simply not in my nature,” Yusuf asserted, adding that his governorship is not due to any person’s influence but the will of God.”
The leadership of the NNPP has recently decided to suspend Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government, along with Muhammad Diggol, the Commissioner of Transportation. This action was taken due to allegations of disloyalty and suspected participation in the “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” campaign, which both officials have denied.
Currently, they are under investigation for purportedly supporting the efforts of this faction.
Additionally, two members of the House of Representatives, Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini (Dala) and Alhassan Rurum (Kibiya, Rano, and Bunkure), have publicly distanced themselves from the Kwankwasiyya movement, calling on Yusuf to assert his autonomy.
In light of these departures, Yusuf emphasized the enduring support he has received from Kwankwaso and condemned those who are questioning this alliance.
“It’s as if people do not understand the role Kwankwaso has played. Where were these critics when he was laying the foundation for what we are doing now?” Yusuf said.
He further addressed the media, expressing frustration at how the allegations have been covered.
“They said Kwankwaso called me more than 30 times, and I refused to answer. Where did they get this from? And within how many months? Did they pull this information from WhatsApp or some other source?” Yusuf questioned, adding, “If not for my respect for journalists, I would have taken the person who wrote that to court. But I know, and Kwankwaso knows, that it’s all lies. There is no rift.”
The Kano State Governor also urged his supporters to refrain from using the divisive slogan, warning that he wants no part in any campaign that undermines his loyalty.
“As of today, I don’t want to hear ‘stand on your own’ in Kano State or anywhere in Nigeria. We were raised to respect elders, not to insult them,” he said.