Governor Abba Yusuf, however, firmly dismissed these claims, stressing his continued loyalty and gratitude to Kwankwaso.
Kano, Nigeria – Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has denied rumours of a dispute with his political mentor and the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Addressing journalists in Kano on Wednesday, Yusuf emphasized that his relationship with Kwankwaso remains strong and respectful, despite ongoing speculation.
Reports have circulated within the Kwankwasiyya movement and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) alleging that Kwankwaso wields excessive influence over Yusuf’s administration, effectively treating it as a “third term by proxy.” Critics have suggested that Kwankwaso’s involvement is so deep that he dictates key policy decisions.
Further controversy has been stoked by Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, the House of Representatives member representing Dala Federal Constituency, who recently broke ranks with Kwankwaso. Madakin-Gini claimed that tensions between Yusuf and Kwankwaso stem from disputes over a drugs contract and a state-funded scholarship initiative.
Governor Yusuf, however, firmly dismissed these claims, stressing his continued loyalty and gratitude to Kwankwaso. “There is no truth in the rumours of a misunderstanding between us,” Yusuf stated. “In my 40 years of knowing him, tell me, who among politicians has stayed with someone this long and still maintained harmony? We have never had a rift.”
Yusuf highlighted his long-standing relationship with Kwankwaso, from his time as a personal assistant to serving as a close political ally. He underscored that his governorship was a product of divine will, not merely a result of Kwankwaso’s influence. “Even just two days ago, I visited him and told him about these rumours. Do people expect me to insult the man who stood by me? It is simply not in my nature,” Yusuf said.
A faction within the NNPP, dubbed “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (meaning “Abba, stand on your own”), has recently gained traction. The group has been calling for Yusuf to assert his independence from Kwankwaso. Yusuf directly addressed this movement, labeling their demands an insult to his loyalty. “This ‘stand on your own’ slogan is the greatest insult I have faced as governor,” he declared. “It implies that I should repay good with bad. What has Kwankwaso done to me to deserve this?”
In response to growing unrest, the NNPP’s state leadership suspended Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, and the Commissioner of Transportation, Muhammad Diggol, over allegations of disloyalty and involvement in the “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” campaign. Both officials deny these accusations, but investigations are ongoing.
Additionally, two federal lawmakers, Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini (Dala) and Alhassan Rurum (Kibiya, Rano, and Bunkure), have publicly left the Kwankwasiyya movement, also urging Yusuf to establish his autonomy. Despite these defections, Yusuf defended his mentor, criticizing those who fail to appreciate Kwankwaso’s contributions. “Where were these critics when he was laying the foundation for what we are doing now?” Yusuf asked.
He also expressed frustration with media reports alleging strained communication between him and Kwankwaso. “They said Kwankwaso called me more than 30 times, and I refused to answer. Where did they get this from?” Yusuf questioned. He clarified that such reports were baseless and that he and Kwankwaso both recognized the falsity of these claims.
The governor concluded by appealing to his supporters to abandon divisive slogans. “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,” Yusuf stated, reinforcing his unwavering respect and loyalty to Kwankwaso.
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