Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has debunked claims that he dictates the affairs of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, insisting that the Kano State Government operates independently.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa as part of activities marking his 69th birthday in Kano, Kwankwaso dismissed reports of a rift between him and Governor Yusuf, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
“There is no problem between me and Governor Abba. We gave him the opportunity to perform, and he is doing his best,” Kwankwaso said.
“Those alleging that I control contracts or influence government decisions are simply being mischievous.”
The NNPP presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections also cautioned party members who are abandoning the NNPP or the Kwankwasiyya movement, warning that such defections would attract political consequences in the 2027 elections.
“If anyone thinks he can leave us and still win an election in Kano, he is only deceiving himself,” Kwankwaso warned. “Our political movement will continue to take decisive action against betrayal.”
The former Defence Minister expressed optimism that the NNPP would remain a formidable political force ahead of future elections, noting that Nigerians, particularly the youth, are now more politically conscious and determined to resist manipulation at the polls.
