By Peter Omopo
Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said the patience, resilience and loyalty of his supporters amid ongoing challenges are laying a strong foundation for a promising future for the movement.
Kwankwaso made the assertion in a message released on Monday, in which he expressed appreciation to supporters and well-wishers for their continued commitment to the ideals of the Kwankwasiyya movement despite what he described as trying times.
“I extend my deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to our vibrant social media family, loyal supporters and all well-wishers who continue to stand firmly by our noble cause,” he said.
According to the former governor, the strength of the movement lies in the unwavering dedication of its followers to the principles of service, integrity and people-oriented development, even in the face of internal and external pressures.
“Your unwavering dedication to the timeless ideals of Kwankwasiyya — service, integrity and people-centred progress — together with your remarkable patience amid every challenge and tribulation, is the very foundation upon which the promising future of our movement is being built,” Kwankwaso said.
He reassured supporters of his resolve to remain focused on service to the people, stressing that decisions taken under the Kwankwasiyya banner would continue to prioritise the welfare of citizens, particularly young people.
“Rest assured, we shall remain steadfast in our duty to serve, making decisions that uplift and benefit our entire people, with special focus and priority on our loyal youth,” he added.
Kwankwaso’s message comes amid growing political tension within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State, following persistent speculation over a possible defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The speculation has reportedly triggered friction within the party, leading to divisions among key stakeholders, with some aligning with the governor while others remain loyal to Kwankwaso, the party’s national leader.
Prominent figures believed to be aligned with Kwankwaso include the Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo; the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Yusuf Kofar Mata; the factional NNPP chairman, Hon. Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa; and the Senior Special Assistant on Political Affairs to the governor, Hon. Sunusi Surajo Kwankwaso.
The internal disagreement has also reportedly resulted in both camps opening separate registers for supporters to sign, in a show of loyalty amid uncertainty over the party’s direction in the state.
Although neither the Kano State Government nor the NNPP leadership has officially confirmed any plans for defection, the situation has heightened political tension in Kano, a traditional stronghold of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Kwankwaso concluded by thanking supporters once again for their loyalty and perseverance, describing their commitment as central to the continued growth and relevance of the movement despite ongoing challenges.
