Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and former governor of Kano State, has publicly urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to surrender the governorship if he intends to leave the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). The appeal came as political realignments and calls for defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) intensified in the state.
Kano political crisis
Addressing supporters and stakeholders in Kano, Kwankwaso described the situation as a “nightmare” and warned that forcing the governor to defect would strip the movement of its only executive foothold. He questioned the logic of targeting Kano for defections when the APC already controls the majority of Nigeria’s states.
“If you have 30 governors, why must you take Kano State governor? Is he yours? He is the only one left for us in the Government House,” Kwankwaso said, urging those pressing for a defection to ask the governor to give up the office if it was not meant for him alone.
Kwankwaso insisted the NNPP remains strong in Kano and stressed that the administration still had time—about a year—to deliver dividends of democracy if party actors worked together. He appealed for calm and unity, arguing that internal battles would harm ordinary supporters who have already endured emotional and physical strain.
The former governor said he had engaged behind the scenes to dissuade leaders from pursuing a course that would destabilise the state. He criticised campaigns pushing for alignment with what he described as “Gandujiyya,” a reference to the political structure linked to former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Kwankwaso warned against social media attacks and local organisers fuelling division, describing such actions as self-destructive. He noted that many loyalists were suffering—some with health problems—because of the crisis and commended their patience as reflective of Kwankwasiyya values.
He also revealed contacts from the APC-led federal government, underlining that national actors had made overtures amid the dispute. While he recalled sacrifices made during the movement’s political struggles, Kwankwaso urged reflection rather than further infighting and reiterated openness to alliances with groups that share similar ideology, while refusing to abandon core principles.
Observers say the dispute highlights wider tensions in Nigerian politics where defections and realignments can shift local power balances and affect governance. In Kano, the conflict has become a focal point for debate about party loyalty, leadership succession and the ability of regional movements to withstand pressure from better-resourced national parties.
Kwankwaso framed the present divide as a contest between “light and darkness,” insisting the people of Kano largely understand the stakes. He cautioned APC leaders against underestimating Kano and urged political actors to prioritise service delivery over partisan manoeuvring.
With about a year left in the administration, the coming months will test whether appeals for unity translate into practical cooperation or whether the rift deepens, reshaping Kano’s political map ahead of future contests.
Key Takeaways:
- Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso urges Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to relinquish office if he intends to leave the NNPP amid mounting pressure.
- Kwankwaso framed the dispute as a test for the Kwankwasiyya movement and warned against defections to the APC and ‘Gandujiyya’ faction.
- The governor’s tenure still has about a year, and Kwankwaso called for unity to deliver governance rather than internal conflict.
- The unfolding Kano political crisis has strained supporters and drawn outreach from federal APC leaders, underscoring high stakes for the state.
