Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has refuted rumors of a rift with his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, asserting that their relationship remains strong and built on mutual respect.
During a meeting with journalists on Wednesday, Governor Yusuf addressed recent speculation circulating within the Kwankwasiyya movement and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). The rumors suggested that Kwankwaso exerts excessive influence over his administration, with some even referring to him as a “third term by proxy.” Yusuf dismissed these allegations as baseless, emphasizing the long-standing and robust nature of his alliance with 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?”
The speculations of discord have been fueled by Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, the House of Representatives member representing Dala Federal Constituency, who recently broke ranks with Kwankwaso. Madakin-Gini alleged that issues regarding a drugs contract and a state scholarship scheme had caused a rift. Yusuf, however, dismissed these allegations, asserting his autonomy while recognizing Kwankwaso’s contributions to his career.
“To now suggest that I am somehow chained by Kwankwaso is simply unfair,” Yusuf said. “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?’”
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.”
In response to growing tensions within the party, the NNPP’s state leadership recently suspended two key officials: Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government, and Muhammad Diggol, the Commissioner for Transportation. They were accused of being involved in the “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” campaign, a charge both officials have denied.
As support for this faction intensifies, other prominent figures within the Kwankwasiyya movement, including House representatives Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini and Alhassan Rurum, have publicly distanced themselves from Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. They have encouraged Governor Yusuf to assert his independence. However, Governor Yusuf has remained resolute in his loyalty, reiterating his commitment to his political mentor despite the rising division within the party.
“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 expressed frustration with media reports suggesting that he had ignored multiple calls from Kwankwaso. “They said Kwankwaso called me more than 30 times, and I refused to answer. Where did they get this from?” Yusuf asked. “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.”
Finally, he appealed to his supporters to reject divisive slogans, urging respect and unity within the party. “As of today, I don’t want to hear ‘stand on your own’ in Kano State or anywhere in Nigeria,” he said. “We were raised to respect elders, not to insult them.”