Rift Deepens Between Kano Governor Abba Yusuf and His Political Mentor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Threatening Unity in NNPP

The internal crisis within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano has intensified, as Governor Abba Yusuf increasingly distances himself from his political mentor and former governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso. According to sources, Yusuf has stopped attending meetings with Kwankwaso and reportedly no longer takes his calls, signaling a deepening rift in the NNPP leadership.

The slogan “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (translated as “Abba, stand on your own” or “Abba, part ways with Kwankwaso”) has gained popularity in Kano, with both party members and local residents encouraging Yusuf to establish his independence. Insiders reveal that the tension stems from Yusuf’s desire to make autonomous decisions for his administration, while Kwankwaso allegedly continues to exert control over key appointments and party affairs.

One political insider close to Governor Yusuf commented, “Abba does not want to insult Kwankwaso, but he truly wants to be independent. Ninety percent of the commissioners were imposed by Kwankwaso, and Abba is still working with them out of respect.” However, the source added that Yusuf is frustrated with the continued interference, especially in local government matters, which he believes undermines his authority.

The first major sign of discord emerged in March when Kwankwaso appointed local government caretaker chairmen without consulting the governor. According to sources, Yusuf was displeased with this move and began distancing himself from local government affairs in protest. In September, the governor dismissed the caretaker chairmen, just a week after the Kano State House of Assembly, allegedly acting on Kwankwaso’s orders, extended their tenure by two months.

The strained relationship worsened when Kwankwaso recently appointed new local council officials without involving Yusuf. This, according to insiders, was the final straw for the governor, who felt his input was being systematically disregarded.

The growing independence campaign is being spearheaded by several high-ranking NNPP members and supporters of the governor, including key figures such as Secretary to the State Government Baffa Bichi, Commissioner for Transport Mohammed Diggol, Commissioner of Education Umar Doguwa, and Senator Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South. Many of these allies have begun pushing for a shift in leadership and even hinting at a possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if tensions remain unresolved.

On November 1, an Abia State High Court added fuel to the fire by ruling in favor of returning NNPP control to Boniface Aniebonam, an erstwhile party leader. Political observers see this as a strategy to create factions within the NNPP, possibly paving the way for Governor Yusuf’s eventual defection to the APC. Rumors suggest that “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” supporters are working closely with some APC leaders to secure a Federal High Court order in Kano, which would further strengthen Yusuf’s position and undermine Kwankwaso’s influence.

An insider familiar with the ongoing tension remarked, “It’s like a game of cat and mouse.” The source explained that although Kwankwaso attempted to meet with Yusuf on multiple occasions, the governor either did not attend or left him waiting. Even on Kwankwaso’s birthday on October 21, the two leaders’ interaction was reportedly brief and strained.

Recently, Kwankwaso directed Yusuf to dismiss Baffa Bichi, who is seen as a key figure in the independence movement. However, Yusuf refused to act on this directive, prompting the NNPP chairman in Kano, Hashimu Dungurawa, to announce the dismissal of Bichi and the Commissioner for Transport over alleged anti-party activities. This move, according to insiders, only deepened the split within the party.

Meanwhile, NNPP members are openly choosing sides in the dispute. Ali Madaki, a federal representative from Dala, recently renounced his membership in Kwankwaso’s Kwankwasiyya political movement and pledged loyalty to Yusuf. He urged his supporters to stop wearing the red caps symbolizing allegiance to Kwankwasiyya. Madaki’s decision has reportedly inspired other party members to follow suit, with several representatives from the state House of Assembly also distancing themselves from Kwankwaso.

While Kwankwaso has yet to publicly comment on the crisis, sources close to him express disappointment in Yusuf’s actions. One Kwankwaso ally said, “Kwankwaso has his flaws, but he did not deserve this treatment. He sacrificed a lot, including close relationships, to make Abba the governor.” This source claimed Kwankwaso had parted ways with several longtime allies to support Yusuf’s political career, including key figures like Aminu Dabo and Rabiu Sulaiman Bichi.

As the crisis deepens, the future of NNPP in Kano remains uncertain. Many believe that Governor Yusuf’s move toward autonomy could result in a permanent split within the party, particularly if his supporters push for an eventual defection to the APC. The situation has left NNPP members and Kano residents alike questioning the future of their party and the political alliance that once seemed unbreakable.