Kano Rep Reveals Cause Of Rift Between Gov Yusuf And Kwankwaso

The alleged cause of the perceived rift between Gov Abba Yusuf of Kano State and the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has been brought to light.

Speculations are that Kwankwaso, the head of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), popularly known in Kano as the Kwankwasiyya Movement, is at loggerheads with Governor Yusuf, who was elected under the party’s platform.

Speaking on the development, Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, the representative for Dala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, claimed that the apparent discord between Governor Kwankwaso arises from disputes related to a drug contract and a scholarship program funded by the state.

Madakin-Gini, once a close associate of Kwankwaso, recently declared his exit from the ‘Kwankwasiyya movement,’ highlighting the increasing rifts within the NNPP in Kano.

Although he continues to be a member of the NNPP, Madakin-Gini has realigned himself with a different faction, prompting his ward executives to announce his suspension on Tuesday.

However, while addressing his supporters on Tuesday, Madakin-Gini articulated Kwankwaso’s demand for loyalty, asserting, “The leader of Kwankwasiyya expects complete obedience. He seeks to maintain sole authority across all 44 local government areas. When we convene, he looks to identify those who are most loyal to him.”

Madakin-Gini further indicated that Governor Yusuf’s alleged ‘transgressions’ include his stance on the investigations into drug contracts within the state, which Kwankwaso reportedly views as more significant than any actions taken by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

The said drug contract controversy has previously resulted in the arrest of Kwankwaso’s nephew by the state’s Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.

It has been reported that the nephew obtained the contract for all 44 local government areas within the state.

The governor has stated that he was unaware of the contract’s awarding process and has instructed the anti-corruption commission to look into its alleged fraudulent activities.

Additionally, Madakin-Gini mentioned Kwankwaso’s purported discontent with Governor Yusuf’s choice to investigate irregularities within a scholarship program. It was revealed that only 400 beneficiaries received sponsorship, contrary to the 1,001 initially approved by the governor.

“Now, he has added more grievances for refusing to sack Baffa Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government, and Muhammad Diggol, the Commissioner for Transport,” Madakin Gini said.

Both officials were allegedly involved in a splinter group supporting Yusuf’s autonomy from Kwankwaso’s influence, leading to their suspension by party leaders.

“Abba was brought in as a puppet,” Madakin Gini claimed.

“If what Abba has done is not enough for them, the only thing left is for him to lie down and be slaughtered.”

He mentioned that he had counselled a governor, who is also a friend, against getting involved in the situation with Kwankwaso, as he felt that Kwankwaso would not be open to discussion.

However, Kwankwaso was yet to respond to the assertion at the time of filing this report.