THE leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has issued a stern warning to Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf, urging him to relinquish the governorship seat if he intends to defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
News Point Nigeria reports that Kwankwaso made the declaration while addressing supporters and party stakeholders in Kano amid growing political tension and speculations that the NNPP-led government in the state may align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking forcefully, the former governor questioned the rationale behind efforts to lure Kano’s governor away from the NNPP, describing such moves as an attempt to strip the Kwankwasiyya movement of its only executive stronghold.
“If you have 30 governors, why must you take Kano State governor? Is he yours?” Kwankwaso asked.
“He is the only one left for us in the Government House. Those instigating him to leave should first ask him to relinquish the governorship and go, ‘yarda ku ke fada din, su je su ci dadi lafiya,” he added in Hausa, echoing a popular slogan among his loyalists, which loosely translates to ‘go and enjoy your political alignment with them.’
Kwankwaso described the unfolding political situation in Kano as disturbing and likened it to a nightmare, saying the crisis had shocked many residents of the state.
“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 revealed that he had been engaging key stakeholders behind the scenes in an attempt to halt what he described as a dangerous political trajectory.
“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.
The former senator noted that the NNPP-led administration still had time to deliver meaningful dividends of democracy, stressing that unity among political actors was essential.
“At least this government has one year ahead, and if we join heads together, people will benefit,” Kwankwaso said.
“What people are surprised about is, what is really the problem? What happened? I myself am still aloof of what is happening.”
He criticised those calling for a defection to what he referred to as “Gandujiyya”, a term used to describe 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.
Kwankwaso framed the political struggle in Kano as a clear ideological battle, insisting that residents of the state had already chosen their side.
“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 declared.
He lamented the toll the crisis had taken on party loyalists, noting that many supporters were emotionally and physically affected.
“Only God knows the number of people in pain in Kano State. Many came here crying. Some are in serious dilemmas. 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 challenges, Kwankwaso praised supporters for their patience and loyalty.
“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.
Kwankwaso condemned internal conflicts and social media attacks within the party, warning that such actions amounted to self-destruction.
“It is not local government chairmen or anybody in Kano that should be organising people on social media calling me. This is complete madness and shows that some people are stabbing themselves in the stomach,” he warned.
He disclosed that the APC-led Federal Government had reached out to him and other leaders, recalling the sacrifices made during their political struggle.
“There is nothing I have not seen. In my presence, many were killed in this journey,” he said.
Dismissing claims that the NNPP was weak, Kwankwaso insisted the party remained the dominant political force in Kano State.
“One will say our party is small. In Kano, which party is bigger than NNPP?” he asked.
He said while the movement was open to alliances with like-minded groups, it would not compromise its ideology or dignity.
“What we are hoping for is to meet with people who share similar ideology,” he said.
Kwankwaso concluded by warning the APC leadership against underestimating Kano State.
“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.”