Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has dismissed rumours of a rift between him and his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The governor said nothing could come between him and the former governor, describing him as a God-given leader and father figure.
Governor Yusuf made the statement on Tuesday while speaking at an event held to celebrate the 69th birthday of Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the NNPP leader and the ideals of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
“Those within and outside trying to create a quarrel between me and our leader, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will not succeed. We will continue to follow the legacy and principles of the Kwankwasiyya movement because Kwankwaso is a God-given leader,” he said.
The governor described Kwankwaso as a visionary leader whose influence continues to guide Kano’s political direction and development. He also prayed for God to grant him long life and good health to continue his service to the people.
However, Governor Yusuf’s statement appears to be a direct response to growing speculations of division within the NNPP’s Kano structure.
In recent months, there had been talks of an internal movement called “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (Abba Stand on Your Feet), reportedly backed by some of Yusuf’s former aides, including Dr. Baffa Bichi and Alhaji Salisu Digol.
The group was believed to be pushing for more independence for the governor’s administration, sparking rumours of tension with Kwankwaso.
Governor Yusuf’s latest comments, however, seem to have put those rumours to rest.
His remarks reaffirm his commitment to the Kwankwasiyya ideology and his loyalty to the NNPP leader.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
