THE Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has dismissed rumours of a fallout between him and his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, reaffirming his loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya ideology and its guiding principles.
Speaking in Madobi yesterday during an event marking Kwankwaso’s 69th birthday, Governor Yusuf described the former governor and national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as a “God-given leader” whose vision continues to shape governance and development in Kano State.
“Those within and outside trying to create a quarrel between me and our leader, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will not succeed,” Yusuf said.
“We will continue to uphold the legacy and principles of the Kwankwasiyya movement because Kwankwaso’s wisdom and leadership remain our guiding light.”
The governor’s remarks come amid persistent speculation about internal divisions within the NNPP, particularly following the emergence of a splinter faction known as “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (Abba Stand on Your Feet).
The group, reportedly led by former Secretary to the State Government Dr. Baffa Bichi and former Commissioner for Transport Alhaji Salisu Digol, was said to be pushing for greater autonomy in the governor’s leadership — a move that many observers saw as a challenge to Kwankwaso’s influence within the party.
Political analysts had viewed the development as a possible attempt to redefine the power dynamics in Kano’s political landscape.
However, Yusuf’s latest comments appear to reaffirm unity within the NNPP and strengthen his alignment with Kwankwaso’s leadership.
“Engineer Kwankwaso is not just a political leader but a visionary whose leadership continues to guide the progress of Kano State,” the governor added.
“We are proud to uphold the Kwankwasiyya values of discipline, service, and good governance.”
Governor Yusuf also offered prayers for his mentor, wishing him long life and continued wisdom.
“We pray that Almighty Allah grants our leader more years in good health so he can continue to guide us in the struggle for a better Nigeria,” he said.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and one-time Minister of Defence, remains a central figure in the NNPP and is widely credited with grooming Yusuf for leadership.
The reaffirmation of their alliance is expected to ease concerns among supporters and consolidate the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.