A profound political schism has erupted in Kano State, severing a bond that defined its politics for over four decades. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his long-time political godfather, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are now locked in a fierce struggle for power and loyalty, a crisis threatening to reshape the state's political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Unraveling of a Four-Decade Alliance
The relationship between Abba Kabir Yusuf and Rabiu Kwankwaso is deeply rooted, tracing back to the 1980s when both men worked as civil engineers at the Water Resources and Engineering Construction Agency (WRECA). Their professional camaraderie evolved into a formidable political partnership, strengthened by family ties. Yusuf, popularly known as "Abba PA," served as Kwankwaso's personal assistant for years, a role he maintained during Kwankwaso's first tenure as governor (1999-2003) and his stint as Minister of Defence.
This loyalty was rewarded. When Kwankwaso returned as governor in 2011, Yusuf rose to become Commissioner for Works. After Kwankwaso's exit in 2015, Yusuf remained his private secretary. In 2023, with Kwankwaso's decisive backing, Yusuf clinched the governorship under the banner of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
The Core of the Crisis: Loyalty vs. Independence
However, the very foundation of this alliance has now cracked. Multiple sources indicate the rift stems from a classic Nigerian political dilemma: a godfather expecting unwavering control and a godson seeking autonomy after attaining power.
The crisis reached a boiling point with confirmation from aides that Governor Yusuf plans to defect from the NNPP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This move, reportedly aimed at securing his political future for 2027, was taken without Kwankwaso's blessing, leaving the former governor feeling sidelined and disrespected.
Insiders describe the feud as political, not personal, driven by survival instincts. Kwankwaso is said to be disappointed by Yusuf's growing independence in governance, where the governor began to assert his authority over appointments and state affairs. From Kwankwaso's perspective, the expected level of loyalty had diminished.
Political Calculations and Realignments
The fallout has triggered frantic realignments within Kano's political structure. It is reported that Kwankwaso, upon learning of the planned defection, convened meetings with local government chairmen and state assembly members to rally support against Yusuf. The strategy backfired.
Approximately 20 members of the state House of Assembly, including the leadership, declared their allegiance to Governor Yusuf and intention to defect with him to the APC. Combined with the 13 existing APC members, this gives Yusuf a commanding majority of 33 out of 40 lawmakers, making any impeachment move against him practically impossible.
Furthermore, Governor Yusuf is said to enjoy the support of 40 out of 44 local government chairmen, while Kwankwaso controls only two. Among Kano's members of the House of Representatives, Yusuf reportedly holds sway over nine, leaving Kwankwaso with four.
NNPP in Turmoil and the Shadow of 2027
The conflict has plunged the NNPP into deeper chaos in its strongest base. The party was already fractured, and Yusuf's imminent exit threatens to splinter it further. A new faction loyal to the governor has emerged, with the objective of eventually collapsing the NNPP's Kano structure into the APC.
In response, the Kwankwaso-aligned National Working Committee of the NNPP has dissolved the party's executive committees at all levels in Kano State, appointing caretaker committees in their place.
This drama replays a familiar script in Kano's political history, reminiscent of past fallouts between figures like Kwankwaso and his former deputy, Abdullahi Ganduje, and earlier ruptures in the People's Redemption Party. The current crisis not only destabilises the NNPP but also reopens intense debates about godfatherism and the tension between mentorship and executive authority in Nigerian politics, setting the stage for a major political showdown as the 2027 elections draw nearer.
