Kwankwaso–Yusuf rift could reshape Kano politics — Dukawa

In this interview, a political analyst and academic, Dr Saidu Ahmad Dukawa of Bayero University, Kano, says the emerging rift between New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has the potential to significantly reshape the state’s political landscape if it remains unresolved. Excerpt:   What really […]

In this interview, a political analyst and academic, Dr Saidu Ahmad Dukawa of Bayero University, Kano, says the emerging rift between New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has the potential to significantly reshape the state’s political landscape if it remains unresolved. Excerpt:

 

What really triggered the rift between Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf?

What actually triggered the rift between Kwankwaso and Abba Kabir Yusuf is interest. They are both pursuing the same interest of possibly moving to, or aligning with, the APC. As Kwankwaso himself indicated not long ago, he was interested in joining the APC, but his concern was the terms and conditions—what his personal interests and those of his political movement would gain from such a move.

From all indications, those conditionalities may not have favoured him. That, in my view, explains why we are seeing this hesitation and dragging of feet. It is still possible that if there is a renegotiation and he is satisfied with the offer, he may join the APC at a later time. If not, he may decide to stay back.

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There is also the possibility that he may accept an offer discreetly—remaining formally outside the APC but still working with it, much like what we are seeing with Nyesom Wike within the PDP. All these scenarios are not far-fetched in Nigerian politics.

 

Is the godfather–godson relationship between them breaking down?

Certainly, at this moment, their relationship is breaking down. One major reason is that they allowed the rift to fester among their followers. Whether or not that was their intention, the manner in which events unfolded created confusion among supporters.

Now, you see a clear line drawn: supporters of Kwankwaso are openly abusing supporters of Abba Kabir Yusuf, and vice versa, while both leaders have largely kept mute. Even if they did not initially intend this level of hostility, the situation has now gone beyond their control. This atmosphere is bound to result in a breakdown of their godfather–godson relationship.

 

Are they falling out politically, personally, or both?

They are falling out politically, first and foremost. However, political fallout in Nigeria almost always spills into personal relationships. If they fall apart politically, it will ultimately affect their interpersonal relationship as well, and the reverse is also true.

Politics here is deeply personal, especially when power, loyalty and influence are involved. So, yes, while the disagreement may be political in origin, it will inevitably have personal consequences.

 

What does this development mean for Kano politics?

It depends on how the situation is managed. If this rift continues unchecked, the political atmosphere in Kano will remain heated. Already, we are witnessing intense debates, accusations and counter-accusations, with supporters boldly attacking one another without considering the consequences.

If Kwankwaso continues to wield significant influence while the governor also asserts his authority—as we saw during the Ganduje era—then Kano politics will enter another phase of continuity and change at the same time. Kano will remain a battleground, characterised by rivalry between entrenched political forces.

However, if this rift leads to a decline in Kwankwaso’s influence—especially if his followers begin to question whether he is always right, given his past fallout with Ganduje and now with Abba Kabir Yusuf—then the dynamics may shift. Some supporters may conclude that the fault does not always lie with others, particularly if Governor Yusuf is seen as loyal to him.

In that scenario, it could signal the gradual end of Kwankwaso’s dominance in Kano politics. And if both Ganduje and Kwankwaso fade out of the political scene, Kano may witness relative stability and progress. Ultimately, everything depends on how events unfold and how the actors manage the situation going forward.