Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Alleged Rift with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Explained
Rumors have swirled about the rumored feud between Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. According to sources, the tension arises from disputes over a lucrative drug contract and a state-funded scholarship program.
Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, a former associate of Kwankwaso and representative for Dala Federal Constituency, shed light on the issue. Madakin-Gini recently parted ways with Kwankwaso, declaring his exit from the Kwankwasiyya movement and realigning himself with a different faction within the NNPP. His ward executives subsequently announced his suspension.
Despite remaining a member of the NNPP, Madakin-Gini has become a vocal critic of Kwankwaso. He claimed that the senator demands absolute loyalty from his followers, seeking to maintain sole authority across the state’s 44 local government areas. Madakin-Gini also alleged that Governor Yusuf’s supposed “transgressions” include his stance on the investigations into drug contracts within the state, which Kwankwaso views as more significant than any actions taken by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
The controversy surrounding the drug contract has a personal connection to Kwankwaso, as his nephew was arrested by the state’s Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission for allegedly obtaining a contract for all 44 local government areas without the governor’s knowledge or consent. The governor has since instructed the anti-corruption commission to investigate the allegations of fraudulent activities.
Madakin-Gini also mentioned Kwankwaso’s displeasure with Governor Yusuf’s decision to investigate irregularities within a scholarship program. Initially, 1,001 beneficiaries were approved, but only 400 received sponsorship. Kwankwaso is reportedly discontent with the governor’s choice to keep Baffa Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government, and Muhammad Diggol, the Commissioner for Transport, in their positions.
These officials were allegedly involved in a splinter group that supported Yusuf’s autonomy from Kwankwaso’s influence, leading to their suspension by party leaders. Madakin-Gini claimed that Kwankwaso would not be open to discussion and that Yusuf is being unfairly treated.
The situation remains unresolved, as Kwankwaso has yet to respond to Madakin-Gini’s claims at the time of reporting.
