Former Kano State governor and Kwankwasiyya leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has responded to recent remarks by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, intensifying the ongoing rift between the two political figures.
Speaking during an interview on Trust TV and later addressing supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano, Kwankwaso defended his description of the governor as his political subordinate, insisting that Yusuf rose to prominence under his guidance.
Kwankwaso had earlier referred to the governor as “Abba PA,” suggesting he elevated him from a modest political position to the governorship.
Reacting, Governor Yusuf had criticised the remark as disrespectful, noting that despite being 63 years old, he should not be referred to as a “boy” by Kwankwaso, who is 69.
In his response, Kwankwaso maintained that several politicians who worked closely with him in the past were, at some point, his protégés. He cited former Kano State governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as an example, noting that Ganduje, who served as his deputy for two terms, could not deny once being under his political mentorship.
“I heard that some people said they dislike being called boys. If not for insolence, how could they deny it? Even Ganduje cannot deny that he was once my boy,” Kwankwaso said.
Governor Yusuf’s earlier remarks marked his first public criticism of Kwankwaso since their political relationship broke down earlier this year.
The governor had also warned that his silence should not be mistaken for weakness, urging Kwankwaso to be cautious in his public statements or risk further revelations.
The fallout between the two leaders follows Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), under which he won the governorship election, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—a move Kwankwaso has described as a betrayal.
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