The leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has told Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf to relinquish his position if he intends to defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Kwankwaso made the statement while addressing supporters and party stakeholders in Kano amid mounting political realignments and speculations surrounding calls for the NNPP-led administration to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting strongly to the push for the governor’s defection, Kwankwaso questioned why Kano was being targeted, describing the move as an attempt to deprive the movement of its only executive foothold.
“If you have 30 governors, why must you take Kano State governor? Is he yours? He is the only one left for us in the Government House,” he said.
“Those instigating him to go should tell him to drop the governorship for us and go, since the governorship is not meant for only one person,” Kwankwaso added.
He described the political tension gripping the state as a “nightmare” and urged those escalating the crisis to reconsider their actions for the sake of Kano residents.
“Thank you for coming at this difficult time. What is happening is surprising, just like a nightmare. Some unfortunate things are happening in Kano that some people don’t even believe,” he said.
“For me, I wish I was asleep and when I wake up I will see that what is happening is not true,” he added.
Kwankwaso disclosed that he had been engaging key stakeholders privately in an effort to halt what he described as a dangerous political direction that would not serve the interests of the state.
“Since these things started, I have tried my best. Anybody I needed to talk to, I have done that, trying to convince them that the track they are on will not benefit anybody in Kano,” he said.
He maintained that the NNPP-led administration still had ample time to deliver on its mandate, stressing the need for unity among political actors.
“At least this government has one year ahead, and if we join heads together, people will benefit. What people are surprised about is, what is really the problem? What happened? I myself am still aloof of what is happening,” he said.
Kwankwaso criticised calls for the government to align with what he described as “Gandujiyya,” referring to the political structure linked to former governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
“People who don’t understand and think where we are is not okay for us are saying we should leave this place and become members of ‘Gandujiyya’,” he said.
According to him, the unfolding events have clearly divided Kano’s political landscape.
“The line has drawn itself in Kano State. It is a war between light and darkness, and the people of Kano have since understood that,” he said.
He also lamented the emotional and health impact of the crisis on party supporters, noting that many loyalists were suffering.
“Only God knows the number of people in pain in Kano State. Many came here crying. Many people are in a serious dilemma. Some have developed high blood pressure, some are in the hospital, and they are lovers of this party who voted for this government,” he said.
Despite the situation, Kwankwaso said the patience demonstrated by supporters reflected the core values of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
“God has helped us because the majority have patience, and that is Kwankwasiyya. Many may not have benefitted, but when they see the governor, they still wish him well because they don’t want people to laugh at us,” he said.
He condemned internal disputes and attacks on social media, warning that such conduct amounted to self-inflicted damage.
“I advised that it is not local governments or chairmen in Kano that should be organising people on social media calling me. This is complete madness and shows that some people are doing things capable of stabbing themselves in the stomach,” he said.
Kwankwaso revealed that the APC-led Federal Government had reached out to him and other leaders, recalling sacrifices made during their political struggle.
“The Federal Government and the APC at the national level have reached out to us. There is nothing I have not seen. In my presence, many were killed in this journey,” he said.
He stressed that the moment called for reflection rather than infighting.
“This is not the time to fight among ourselves. It is time to see how we can move forward. Some people are just looking for reasons to leave,” he added.
Dismissing claims that the NNPP was weak in Kano, Kwankwaso insisted the party remained the dominant force in the state.
“One will say our party is small. In Kano, which party is bigger than NNPP?” he asked.
He said the movement was open to alliances with like-minded groups but would not compromise its principles.
“What we are hoping for is to meet with people who share similar ideology—those who will agree that I become number one or number two on the train,” he said.
Kwankwaso said the crisis had ultimately strengthened the Kwankwasiyya movement.
“What happened now has even solidified this movement more because the majority of Kano people value dignity, integrity and do not support injustice,” he said.
He warned the APC leadership against underestimating Kano State, noting that despite controlling most states, pressure continued to be mounted on the NNPP-led government.
“Among the 36 states, almost 30 are under APC, yet they are still pressurising that everyone must go back to them,” he said.
“If you go back to Abuja and see them, tell them they are playing with Kano. They are underestimating us and they should be very careful. Kano should be treated with caution,” Kwankwaso warned.
(DAILY TRUST)
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