Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has stated that he remains open to mending his fractured relationship with Abba Yusuf, the governor of Kano State. In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service published on Sunday, Kwankwaso said he still holds deep affection for Yusuf despite the governor's political realignment.
Background of the Political Fallout
Governor Yusuf, who won the Kano governorship seat in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), was once a loyal figure within the Kwankwasiyya movement, the political group built around Kwankwaso's influence. Their relationship broke down after Yusuf defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and allied himself with Abdullahi Ganduje, the former Kano governor long regarded as Kwankwaso's principal political rival in the state.
Despite the fallout, Kwankwaso was measured in his words, saying he bore no ill will towards Yusuf. "I didn't abandon him, didn't ask him to go or dismiss him; I still like him," he said.
Kwankwaso Cites Ganduje as Example of His Forgiveness
Kwankwaso, who himself served as governor of Kano, described himself as someone who neither holds grudges nor seeks revenge, pointing to his long and turbulent history with Ganduje as proof of his capacity to forgive. "How many times did I have issues with Ganduje? He challenged me on several occasions," he said.
He recalled that in 2007, while both men were at the Ministry of Defence, Ganduje was his special assistant but was part of efforts to undermine him politically. Despite that history, Kwankwaso said he still backed Ganduje's ambitions. "Despite the misgivings, I put Ganduje forward and supported him, but he failed," he added.
No Conditions for Return to His Fold
According to The Sun, Kwankwaso said the same reasoning applied to Yusuf, insisting that he does not place conditions on those who seek to return to his fold. "I'm not God. So, if Yusuf or whoever wishes to come, you need to have patience, have a large heart and compassion because not all will play along your line," he said.
He added that differences in age, background and thinking are natural, and that demanding conformity from everyone was unrealistic. "So, if I'm not forgiving, we will not put Ganduje forward; the situation is the same with Yusuf. We don't ask for a dime from each of them to get our endorsement and tickets; we don't sell our candidature," Kwankwaso said.
He also pushed back against any suggestion that he had become a passive political figure, describing himself as still active in the political arena and not a mere "armchair politician."
APC's Reaction to Kwankwaso's Comments
Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that the APC spokesperson Felix Morka fired back at Kwankwaso after the NDC running mate urged Atiku Abubakar to drop his 2027 presidential bid. Kwankwaso had appealed to Atiku, citing his age and health, and promised to take care of him if the opposition ticket wins the presidency.
Morka accused the opposition of engaging in 'horse trading' over a presidency that Nigerians have not yet decided. The APC's criticism underscores the ongoing political tensions as the 2027 election cycle approaches.
