The governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has dispelled rifts and speculations of discord between himself and his mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, a premonition fuelled by Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, the House of Representatives member representing Dala Federal Constituency, who recently broke ranks with Kwankwaso.
The Kano State Governor denied claims of discord with his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, insisting that their relationship remains strong and based on mutual respect.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Governor Yusuf responded to recent rumours in the Kwankwasiyya movement and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) that Kwankwaso is using his government as a “third term by proxy” and exerting excessive influence. Yusuf emphasised the depth and longevity of his connection with Kwankwaso, dismissing these allegations as baseless.
“The rumours of a misunderstanding between us are untrue,” Yusuf said. “Tell me, in my forty years of knowing him, which politician has remained in harmony with a spouse for this long?”
Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, the representative for the Dala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, recently broke ranks with Kwankwaso, which has stoked rumours of conflict. Madakin-Gini claimed that there was a rift due to problems with a state scholarship program and a drug contract. However, Yusuf denied these claims, claiming his independence while acknowledging Kwankwaso’s contributions to his professional life.
“It is just unfair to imply that Kwankwaso is shackling me in any way,” Yusuf stated. “I went to see him just two days ago and informed him of these rumours. I am surprised,” I said. Is it expected of me to disparage the man who supported me?
Amid the controversy, a faction within the NNPP calling itself “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (meaning “Abba, stand on your own”) has been vocal in urging Yusuf to distance himself from Kwankwaso and make decisions independently. Yusuf directly addressed this faction, denouncing their stance.
“This stand on your own’ slogan is the greatest insult I have faced as governor. It implies that I should repay good with bad,” he remarked. “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.”
The NNPP’s state leadership recently suspended Muhammad Diggol, the Commissioner of Transport, and Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the Secretary to the State government, on charges of involvement in the “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” campaign in reaction to growing tensions within the party. These accusations have been refuted by both officials.
Other well-known Kwankwasiyya movement figures, such as House of Reps members Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini and Alhassan Rurum, have openly disassociated from Kwankwaso as support for this side develops, urging Yusuf to declare his independence. But Governor Yusuf remained steadfast in 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?” he questioned.
Yusuf also bemoaned the media’s claims that he had turned down several of Kwankwaso’s calls. “According to them, Kwankwaso called me over thirty times, but I didn’t pick up. From where did they obtain this? Yusuf enquired. “I would have taken the author of that to court if it weren’t for my regard for journalists. Kwankwaso and I both know, however, that it’s all falsehoods. No rift exists.”
He urged respect and togetherness within the party, encouraging his supporters to avoid divisive rhetoric. He declared, “As of right now, I don’t want to hear ‘stand on your own’ in Kano State or anywhere else in Nigeria. Instead of insulting elders, we were brought up to respect them,” he stated.
