Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has denied rumors of a conflict with his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Speaking with journalists in Kano late Wednesday, Yusuf addressed speculation about tensions, affirming that his relationship with Kwankwaso remains solid and respectful, as it has been for over 40 years.
Rumors within the Kwankwasiyya movement and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) suggested that Kwankwaso wields undue influence over Yusuf’s administration, with claims that he controls policy decisions, effectively creating a “third term by proxy.”
Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, a House of Representatives member representing Dala Federal Constituency who recently distanced himself from Kwankwaso, alleged that Yusuf’s disagreements with Kwankwaso are rooted in issues over a drug contract and a state-funded scholarship program.
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Governor Yusuf, however, dismissed these allegations, asserting his independence while expressing his ongoing gratitude and loyalty to 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.
Recently, a faction within the NNPP, known as “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (which translates to “Abba, stand on your own”), has garnered attention. This group urges Yusuf to step away from his political mentor and make independent decisions without Kwankwaso’s influence.
The movement has gained momentum, attracting support from both party members and figures from other political circles who advocate for Yusuf’s autonomy.
In response, Yusuf directly addressed the faction, describing their message as an “insult” to his loyalty.
“This ‘stand on your own’ slogan is the greatest insult I have faced as governor. It implies that I should repay good with bad. 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,” Yusuf remarked, adding, “It’s as if people do not know what we are doing for them.”
The NNPP’s state leadership recently suspended the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, and the Commissioner of Transportation, Muhammad Diggol, accusing them of disloyalty and suspected involvement in the “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” campaign—allegations both officials have denied.
The two are currently under investigation for allegedly supporting this faction’s activities.
In addition, two House of Representatives members, Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini (Dala) and Alhassan Rurum (representing Kibiya, Rano, and Bunkure), have formally left the Kwankwasiyya movement, calling on Yusuf to establish his own independence.
Reacting to these defections, Yusuf emphasized Kwankwaso’s consistent support for him and criticized those who question their relationship.
“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?” Yusuf said.
He further addressed the media, expressing frustration at how the allegations have been covered. “They said Kwankwaso called me more than 30 times, and I refused to answer. Where did they get this from? And within how many months? Did they pull this information from WhatsApp or some other source?” Yusuf questioned, adding, “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.”
Yusuf also urged his supporters to stop using the divisive slogan, emphasizing that he does not want to be associated with any campaign that questions his loyalty.
“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,” he said.
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