Governor Abba Yusuf denies any rift with Rabiu Kwankwaso, says attempts to cause division will fail. Pledges loyalty to Kwankwasiyya movement.
KANO — Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has publicly dismissed speculation of a fallout with his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, insisting that their relationship remains strong and unwavering.
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Speaking on Tuesday during an event in Madobi to mark the 69th birthday of the former governor, Yusuf reaffirmed his loyalty and dedication to Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya political movement, calling his mentor a “God-given leader.”
“Those within and outside trying to create a quarrel between me and our leader, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will not succeed,” Yusuf declared.
“We will continue to follow the legacy and principles of the Kwankwasiyya movement because Kwankwaso is a God-given leader.”
The governor’s statement follows months of speculation about internal tensions within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State.
Reports had emerged of a factional movement allegedly seeking greater autonomy for Governor Yusuf, known as “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (Abba Stand on Your Feet), reportedly fronted by former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Baffa Bichi, and former Commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Salisu Digol.
The group was rumoured to be advocating for Yusuf to assert independence from Kwankwaso’s political influence — a move that many analysts saw as a potential rift in the NNPP’s leadership structure.
However, Yusuf’s strong words and his public display of loyalty during Kwankwaso’s birthday celebration appear to have quashed the rumours, signalling unity at the top of the party’s leadership in the state.
Governor Yusuf praised Kwankwaso’s leadership as instrumental in shaping Kano’s socio-political landscape, describing him as a visionary and father figure to the movement and the people of the state.
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“We pray for his continued good health and long life. His guidance remains essential to our mission,” Yusuf added.
