A fresh war of words has erupted in Kano State’s political landscape as former governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, openly confronted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over claims that the governor is no longer under his political influence.
The latest disagreement comes months after the once-close political allies reportedly fell out following Governor Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Since the split, tensions between both camps have continued to intensify, with accusations of betrayal and political disloyalty dominating public discourse in Kano.
Speaking during a gathering with supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano on Wednesday, Kwankwaso defended his earlier remarks describing Governor Yusuf as “Abba PA,” a reference suggesting that the governor rose politically under his mentorship. The former governor maintained that there was nothing insulting about referring to political associates as his “boys,” insisting that many prominent politicians in Kano politics once operated under his leadership.
Kwankwaso specifically mentioned former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, saying even Ganduje, who served as his deputy for two terms, could not deny once being politically subordinate to him.
According to Kwankwaso, several other politicians who benefitted from his political structure and mentorship were now distancing themselves from that history. He questioned why some of them now considered the description offensive, arguing that political mentorship was a normal part of leadership and party development.
The remarks were apparently in response to Governor Yusuf’s recent criticism of Kwankwaso during an interview, where the governor described it as disrespectful for the 69-year-old political leader to repeatedly refer to him as a “boy” despite being 63 years old himself. Governor Yusuf stated that his silence over previous comments should not be mistaken for weakness or fear.
The governor also warned that if the attacks persisted, he might publicly reveal sensitive issues surrounding their political relationship and eventual fallout. His comments marked one of the strongest public rebukes yet against the Kwankwasiyya leader, under whom he built much of his political career.
Political observers say the deepening feud signals a major realignment in Kano politics ahead of future elections, particularly as both leaders still command significant grassroots support across the state. The breakdown of their relationship has already reshaped political alliances within Kano and could influence the strength of opposition parties in northern Nigeria.
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remains one of the most influential political figures in Kano, while Abba Kabir Yusuf continues to consolidate power under the APC following his controversial departure from the NNPP.
