Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, says he remains open to reconciling with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf despite their political differences, insisting his respect and affection for his former protégé remain intact.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso said the door to reconciliation is still open, stressing that Yusuf willingly left their political camp and would not be shut out if he chooses to return.
“I still love Abba and I didn’t reject him. He is the one that left. Not just Abba, anyone who leaves and comes back will not be turned away. Even with Ganduje, we fell out several times and later reconciled. That is how politics works,” he said.
The rift between both men deepened after Governor Yusuf defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), on whose platform he was elected in 2023, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) a move that triggered criticism within the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Kwankwaso maintained that Yusuf’s victory was made possible by the strength of the movement’s structure, arguing that his defection was unnecessary.
“We picked Abba to contest under the NNPP and we won, but he left to join the people we defeated. Some say he did it because he feared losing his position, but there was no way we would have been defeated in Kano,” he said.
He added that Yusuf was not chosen based on seniority or academic qualifications, but as a strategic decision to test the political strength of the Kwankwasiyya movement in the 2023 elections.
“We did not choose him because he was the most senior or the most educated. We chose him to test the strength and capacity of the Kwankwasiyya movement at that time,” he explained.
Kwankwaso also emphasized the importance of tolerance in leadership, noting that political disagreements should not permanently end relationships.
“As a leader, you need an open heart. You cannot force people to think the same way. We all come from different backgrounds and perspectives. Without forgiveness, we would not have come this far,” he added.
