Rita Odafe
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Recent insights have emerged regarding the discord between Abba Yusuf, the Governor of Kano State, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the NNPP’s presidential candidate in 2023.
Kwankwaso, leading the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and known for the Kwankwasiyya Movement in Kano, is reportedly in conflict with Governor Yusuf, who rose to power under the same party’s banner.
Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, the House of Representatives representative for Dala Federal Constituency, elaborated on the situation. He indicated that the friction stems from disagreements regarding a drug contract and a state-funded scholarship initiative.
Once a close ally of Kwankwaso, Madakin-Gini recently distanced himself from the Kwankwasiyya movement, reflecting deepening divisions within the NNPP in Kano.
Despite remaining affiliated with the NNPP, he has joined a rival faction, leading to his suspension by local party executives.
In a meeting with his supporters, Madakin-Gini emphasized that Kwankwaso demands complete loyalty, stating, “The leader of Kwankwasiyya insists on total obedience. He aims to control all 44 local government areas and scrutinizes loyalty in our gatherings.”
He also touched on Governor Yusuf’s alleged missteps, particularly regarding ongoing investigations into the state’s drug contracts; Kwankwaso reportedly believes these issues overshadow any concerns linked to former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
The drug contract in question had previously led to the detention of Kwankwaso’s nephew by the state’s Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, who acquired the contract for all 44 local governments.
The governor has claimed he was not involved in the contract process and has tasked the anti-corruption body with investigating claims of fraud.
Madakin-Gini also pointed out Kwankwaso’s dissatisfaction with Governor Yusuf’s inquiry into a scholarship program, where only 400 of the 1,001 approved beneficiaries received financial support.
Moreover, Madakin-Gini accused Yusuf of neglecting demands to remove Baffa Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government, and Muhammad Diggol, the Commissioner for Transport, noting that both were part of a faction advocating for Yusuf’s independence from Kwankwaso’s control.
“Abba was envisioned as a puppet,” claimed Madakin-Gini. “If his actions don’t satisfy them, they might demand the ultimate submission.”
He advised a fellow governor against engaging with Kwankwaso, believing the latter would not entertain discussions.
As of the report’s publication, Kwankwaso had not responded to these claims.
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