NNPP Crisis: Gov. Yusuf Reaffirms Strong Bond With Kwankwaso, Slams “Stand on Your Own” Faction

Governor Yusuf and Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has dismissed rumours of a rift with his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, affirming that their relationship remains strong and grounded in mutual respect.

During a meeting with journalists on Wednesday, Governor Yusuf addressed growing speculation within the Kwankwasiyya movement and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) about a supposed falling-out between him and Kwankwaso.

These rumours suggest that Kwankwaso is exerting excessive influence over Yusuf’s administration, with critics even alleging that the senator is effectively serving a “third term by proxy.”

Yusuf refuted these claims, emphasizing the enduring strength of his alliance with Kwankwaso.

“There is no truth in the rumours of a misunderstanding between us. In my 40 years of knowing him, tell me, who among politicians has stayed with someone this long and still maintained harmony?” he asked.

The rumours of discord gained momentum following comments from Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, the House of Representatives member representing Dala Federal Constituency, who recently parted ways with Kwankwaso.

Madakin-Gini alleged that the disagreement stemmed from issues related to a drugs contract and the state scholarship scheme.

However, Governor Yusuf rejected these allegations, asserting his independence while acknowledging the significant role Kwankwaso has played in his political journey.

“To now suggest that I am somehow chained by Kwankwaso is simply unfair. Even just two days ago, I visited him and told him about these rumours. I said, ‘I am surprised. Do people expect me to insult the man who stood by me?’”

Amidst the growing speculation, a faction within the NNPP, calling itself “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (meaning “Abba, stand on your own”), has been urging Yusuf to distance himself from Kwankwaso and make decisions independently. Yusuf strongly criticized this faction, calling their position insulting.

“This ‘stand on your own’ slogan is the greatest insult I have faced as governor. It implies that I should repay good with bad. What has Kwankwaso done to me to deserve this? All the good we are doing for the people is overlooked, and instead, they promote this divisive rhetoric.”

In response to the internal party tensions, the NNPP’s state leadership suspended Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, Secretary to the State Government, and Muhammad Diggol, Commissioner of Transportation, accusing them of supporting the “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” campaign.

Both officials have denied the allegations.

“It’s as if people do not understand the role Kwankwaso has played. Where were these critics when he was laying the foundation for what we are doing now?” Yusuf questioned.

The governor also expressed frustration with media reports claiming he had ignored multiple calls from Kwankwaso.

“They said Kwankwaso called me more than 30 times, and I refused to answer. Where did they get this from?. If not for my respect for journalists, I would have taken the person who wrote that to court. But I know, and Kwankwaso knows, that it’s all lies. There is no rift.”

Finally, Yusuf appealed to his supporters to reject divisive rhetoric and emphasized the need for unity within the party.

“As of today, I don’t want to hear ‘stand on your own’ in Kano State or anywhere in Nigeria. We were raised to respect elders, not to insult them.”