Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has reiterated that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje still emerged politically under his influence despite the growing political rivalry in Kano.
Kwankwaso stated this on Wednesday while speaking to supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement at his residence along Miller Road in Kano.
The former governor was reacting to recent comments allegedly linked to Yusuf, who reportedly questioned the idea of an older politician referring to another elderly politician as “his boy.”
Making light of the situation, Kwankwaso told the gathering, “I was made to understand that a few don’t want to be referred to as my boy,” a remark that drew laughter from his supporters.
He later switched to Hausa, insisting that both Yusuf and Ganduje owe part of their political rise to his mentorship.
“If it is not out of disrespect, will Abba Kabir Yusuf say he is not my political son? If it is not out of disrespect, will Abdullahi Umar Ganduje say he is not my political son?” he asked.
The statement was greeted with applause from members of the movement present at the meeting.
Kwankwaso, founder of the Kwankwasiyya political movement, has remained a major force in Kano politics for several years, having previously served as governor, minister, and senator.
Yusuf is widely regarded as Kwankwaso’s close ally and political successor, while Ganduje once served as his deputy before their relationship later deteriorated due to political disagreements.
Although Ganduje had previously admitted working closely with Kwankwaso, he rejected claims suggesting a political father-son relationship between them.
In an earlier BBC interview, Ganduje explained that he became deputy governor after losing party primaries during their first administration together and said their partnership in the second term was based on Kwankwaso’s personal decision.
