KANO, Nigeria — Former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has intensified his public rift with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, insisting that several prominent politicians in the state once rose through his political structure.
The latest exchange comes amid worsening tensions between the former allies following Governor Yusuf’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okay News reports that Kwankwaso spoke during an address to supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano, where he dismissed criticisms over his description of the governor as politically subordinate to him.
The former presidential candidate reacted to comments credited to Governor Yusuf, who had reportedly objected to being referred to as a “boy” despite being 63 years old.
Kwankwaso argued that several influential Kano politicians, including former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, emerged through his political mentorship.
“I heard that some people said they dislike being called boys. If not for insolence, how could Mai Gidan Ruwa or Aminu Goro say they were not my boys politically? How could even Ganduje deny that he was once my boy?” he said.
The dispute follows a recent Trust TV interview in which Kwankwaso reportedly referred to Governor Yusuf as “Abba PA,” claiming he personally elevated him politically.
Governor Yusuf had earlier warned that his silence should not be interpreted as weakness, while threatening to reveal sensitive political details if the public criticism continued.
The political fallout marks a major shift in Kano’s political landscape, given the long-standing alliance previously shared between both men under the Kwankwasiyya movement.
