Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has strongly denied rumors of a rift with his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, Yusuf clarified that his relationship with Kwankwaso remains steadfast, despite growing calls from some within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for Yusuf to assert more independence in his administration.
Rumors have circulated within the NNPP that Kwankwaso is exerting undue influence over Yusuf’s leadership, with critics alleging he is effectively managing a “third term by proxy.”
These speculations have been fueled by recent comments from Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, a House of Representatives member, who claimed the tension stemmed from disagreements over a state-funded scholarship program and a drug contract.
Madakin-Gini’s departure from the Kwankwasiyya movement further intensified public speculation.
However, Yusuf dismissed these allegations, affirming his autonomy as governor while expressing deep gratitude toward Kwankwaso.
“There is no truth in the rumours of a misunderstanding between us,” Yusuf said.
“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 asserted, adding that his governorship is not due to any person’s influence but the will of God.
In recent weeks, a faction within the NNPP, known as “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (“Abba, stand on your own”), has urged Yusuf to distance himself from Kwankwaso and govern independently.
In response, Yusuf described the “stand on your own” slogan as an “insult” to his loyalty, arguing that such demands are a betrayal of the respect and loyalty he holds for Kwankwaso.
“This ‘stand on your own’ slogan is the greatest insult I have faced as governor,” he stated, adding that it encourages him to repay loyalty with ingratitude. Yusuf also condemned recent moves by NNPP leaders who suspended two top officials, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi and Muhammad Diggol, on accusations of backing the autonomy campaign. Both officials have denied these allegations.
Addressing his critics, Yusuf reminded them of Kwankwaso’s foundational role in Kano’s development, noting, “Where were these critics when he was laying the foundation for what we are doing now?” He also criticized media reports suggesting he had ignored over 30 calls from Kwankwaso, calling these claims “all lies.”
Yusuf concluded by appealing to his supporters to refrain from promoting divisive messages, reaffirming his commitment to Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya ideals. He stated, “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.”
