By Peter Omopo
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has debunked rumours of a fallout with his political mentor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, saying that no individual or group can drive a wedge between them.
Governor Yusuf made the clarification on Tuesday in Madobi, during a ceremony marking Kwankwaso’s 69th birthday, where he reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the former governor and founder 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,” Yusuf declared.
“We will continue to follow the legacy and principles of the Kwankwasiyya movement because Kwankwaso is a God-given leader.”
The governor praised Kwankwaso’s visionary leadership, describing him as a political mentor whose guidance continues to shape the progress of Kano State. He also offered prayers for the NNPP leader’s long life and good health.
“We owe our success and direction to his leadership. May Almighty Allah continue to grant him wisdom and strength,” Yusuf said.
His remarks come amid persistent speculation of a political rift between both men, following the emergence of a group known as “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (translated as Abba, Stand on Your Feet), allegedly spearheaded by former government officials Dr. Baffa Bichi, a former Secretary to the State Government, and Alhaji Salisu Digol, former Commissioner for Transport.
The group was reported to be advocating greater independence for Governor Yusuf’s administration — a move that many political observers viewed as a subtle challenge to Kwankwaso’s influence within the NNPP.
However, the governor’s latest comments appear to have laid the matter to rest, reinforcing his commitment to the Kwankwasiyya ideology and his continued alignment with Kwankwaso’s political vision.
Political analysts in Kano say Yusuf’s open reaffirmation of loyalty could help consolidate party unity ahead of future political contests, particularly as the NNPP seeks to expand its influence beyond the state.
