(DDM) – Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has finally reacted to widespread rumours of a political rift between him and Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, dismissing the claims as false and politically motivated.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the former governor of Kano and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement spoke during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he stated that there was no misunderstanding or power struggle between him and the incumbent governor, whom he described as one of the most loyal and competent members of his political family.
Kwankwaso, who founded the Kwankwasiyya ideology, a populist political movement rooted in empowerment and grassroots mobilisation, said Governor Yusuf’s emergence as the state’s leader was the product of years of loyalty, service, and careful political calculation.
According to the former Defence Minister, those peddling stories of discord were simply seeking to exploit perceived cracks within the NNPP to destabilise the government and weaken its stronghold in Kano, one of the party’s key political bases.
“There is no problem between me and Governor Abba,” Kwankwaso declared.
He said, “We gave him the opportunity to perform, and he is doing his best. It is just that some mischievous individuals are trying to create division where there is none.”
Kwankwaso explained that Governor Yusuf had long been identified as a capable leader since 2019 when the Kwankwasiyya movement was already strategising for Kano’s political future after his own tenure.
“We carefully examined the options and found him most qualified as far back as 2019. We gave him the chance to deliver, and we continue to support him,” he added.
He further dismissed allegations that he controls government contracts or interferes in state administration, insisting that his only focus is ensuring the success of the NNPP-led government in Kano.
“Those claiming that I control contracts or run the government are only being mischievous. In due time, the truth will come out,” Kwankwaso said firmly.
The statement comes amid ongoing political speculation that internal rivalry may be threatening the NNPP’s unity in Kano, following months of political tension, defections, and speculation about realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Background checks by DDM indicate that Governor Yusuf, popularly known as “Abba Gida-Gida,” rose to prominence under Kwankwaso’s mentorship, serving as his political protégé for years before contesting and winning the governorship in 2023.
The NNPP, which Kwankwaso revived and used as his platform during the 2023 presidential election, shocked political observers by toppling the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, one of the ruling party’s strongest northern states.
However, internal disputes, court cases, and rival claims of influence have continued to shadow the administration since the election victory, with some factions accusing the former governor of overreaching into state affairs.
Political observers told DDM that Kwankwaso’s clarification may be aimed at quelling speculation and reasserting his control over the movement’s direction before the 2027 polls.
Analysts also believe the statement was strategically timed to prevent further cracks in the Kwankwasiyya structure, especially as the NNPP seeks to expand its influence nationally.
Kwankwaso’s public show of support for Governor Yusuf may also signal a political realignment and reaffirmation of loyalty within the NNPP’s Kano bloc, which remains one of the most organised and disciplined political groups in northern Nigeria.
His response, political analysts say, underscores the delicate balance of mentorship and autonomy that defines Nigerian political movements, where leaders must navigate loyalty, ambition, and perception within tight power networks.
As 2027 approaches, both Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf appear keen to maintain unity, project stability, and dispel rumours that could weaken their joint political machinery in one of Nigeria’s most politically volatile states.