Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has openly denied reports of discord with his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, asserting that their bond remains unshaken despite recent controversies.
Speaking to journalists in Kano on Wednesday night, Yusuf addressed the circulating rumors, stating that his relationship with Kwankwaso is as steadfast as it has been over the past four decades.
Rumorurs within the Kwankwasiyya movement and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) suggest that Kwankwaso holds significant sway over Yusuf’s administration, with some alleging that he indirectly controls policy, effectively running a “third term by proxy.”
Further fueling the speculation, Aliyu Madakin-Gini, a House of Representatives member representing Dala Federal Constituency who recently parted ways with Kwankwaso, alleged that tension between Yusuf and Kwankwaso arose over controversies involving a drugs contract and a state-funded scholarship program.
However, Yusuf dismissed these claims, emphasizing his autonomy and reaffirming his loyalty and gratitude to Kwankwaso.
“There is no truth in the rumors of a misunderstanding between us,” Yusuf stated.
He continued, “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 added, insisting that his governorship reflects the will of God, not anyone’s influence.
In recent weeks, a faction within the NNPP, known as “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (meaning “Abba, stand on your own”), has called for Yusuf to distance himself from Kwankwaso, urging him to make independent decisions.
The faction’s influence has grown, with members from the party and other political groups pushing for Yusuf to establish his autonomy.
Yusuf directly addressed this faction, describing their slogan as an “insult” to his loyalty.
“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 said. “It’s as if people do not know what we are doing for them.”
In response to recent events, the NNPP’s state leadership suspended the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, and Commissioner of Transportation, Muhammad Diggol, for alleged disloyalty and suspected involvement in the “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” movement, charges they deny. Both officials are currently under investigation for allegedly supporting this campaign.
Additionally, House Representatives members Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini (Dala) and Alhassan Rurum (representing Kibiya, Rano, and Bunkure) have publicly left the Kwankwasiyya movement, also calling for Yusuf to assert his independence.
In response to these departures, Yusuf reaffirmed Kwankwaso’s crucial role in his political journey and criticized those questioning his allegiance.
“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 asked.
He also voiced his frustration with how the media has portrayed the allegations. “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 remarked. “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.”
Yusuf also urged his supporters to abandon the divisive slogan, emphasizing that he does not endorse any campaign undermining 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 concluded.
(DAILY TRUST)
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