Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former Governor of Kano State and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, has expressed his willingness to forgive and reconcile with Governor Abba Yusuf, despite their political differences. He emphasized that his affection for his former protégé remains undiminished.
Background of the Rift
The relationship between Kwankwaso and Yusuf soured after the incumbent governor defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), under which he won the 2023 governorship election, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This move drew sharp criticism from members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Kwankwaso's Stance on Reconciliation
In an interview on BBC Hausa on Monday, Kwankwaso, who has also defected from the NNPP to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and is now the party's vice presidential candidate, stated that the door of reconciliation remains open. He stressed that although Yusuf left their political fold, he would not turn him away if he decides to return. Kwankwaso noted that he has forgiven and welcomed back others who left and returned, citing his history with former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, with whom he had disagreements but reconciled over the years.
Kwankwaso insisted that Yusuf's electoral victory was made possible by the strength of the Kwankwasiyya movement. He explained that the movement intentionally fielded Yusuf in 2023 to demonstrate its political influence, not because he was the most senior or educated. “We chose him because we wanted to test the strength and calibre of the Kwankwasiyya movement at that time,” he said.
NDC Peace Talks in Kano
Meanwhile, the national leader of the NDC, Seriake Dickson, along with other party leaders, held closed-door peace talks with aggrieved members of the party in Kano State on Monday. In a statement, NDC National Spokesperson Osa Director described the meeting as “productive,” adding that Senator Dickson and the NDC leadership mediated to enhance inclusion and participation by every party member.
Director emphasized that the NDC leadership will not impose candidates in Kano State or across the nation, as the party cherishes internal democracy. He also stressed that the NDC has not released any official results of its 2027 primaries in any state, urging the public and party members to disregard any lists in circulation.
Delegation Meeting
The statement confirmed that a delegation of the national leadership of the Kwankwasiyya movement met with Dickson and the NDC leadership last night to further discuss the reconciliation process.
