Kwankwaso Ready to Forgive Gov Yusuf, Reconciliation Open

Former Kano governor Kwankwaso offers to forgive Governor Abba Yusuf amid their political rift, saying the door to reconciliation remains open.

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso discussing political reconciliation with Governor Abba Yusuf

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso says he still holds deep affection for his former protégé, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Despite their current political differences, the former Kano State governor insists he is ready to forgive and reconcile.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso made it clear that the door for a return remains wide open. He stressed that the Kano governor chose to walk away from the Kwankwasiyya movement, and he would not turn him away if he decides to come back.

The relationship between the two leaders turned sour after Governor Yusuf allegedly moved towards the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This shift did not sit well with loyalists of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), the platform that brought Yusuf to power in 2023.

Kwankwaso was quick to remind listeners that Yusuf's victory was built on the back of the Kwankwasiyya movement. He explained that the governor was not picked because he was the most educated or the most senior. Instead, the movement chose him to prove its political strength and capacity to win elections.

The former governor argued that by leaving, Yusuf simply joined the very people they defeated at the polls. While some suggest the governor acted out of fear of losing his seat, Kwankwaso dismissed this. He firmly stated that there was no way the NNPP would have lost power in Kano.

Drawing from his long political experience, Kwankwaso pointed to his past relationship with former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. He noted that they fell out several times over the years but always found their way back to each other. That, he said, is the nature of politics.

He emphasized that true leadership requires an open heart. People will always hold different opinions based on their backgrounds, and forcing everyone to think alike is impossible. Without tolerance and forgiveness, Kwankwaso noted, political progress simply cannot happen.