Crack in Kwankwasiyya as group seeks Gov Yusuf’s independence from Kwankwaso

A rift has emerged within the Kwankwasiyya political movement, as a faction advocates for the political independence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from his mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The group, allegedly sponsored by Secretary to the Kano State Government (SSG) Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, argues that significant development in Kano State requires the governor to “free” himself from Kwankwaso’s influence.

Kwankwaso, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, is accused of exerting undue influence over the governor’s administration, with critics describing it as a symbolic third term by proxy.

In response to the allegations, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) suspended both Bichi and Commissioner for Transportation Muhammad Diggol. State party chairman, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa announced the suspensions via an audio message, which he later confirmed to reporters.

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He stated that the officials were suspended for disloyalty, abuse of power, and creating chaos within the party.

“We are suspending SSG Abdullahi Baffa Bichi and Commissioner Muhammad Diggol for abuse of power and disloyalty to the party. We commend the local party leadership for bringing this issue to our attention,” Dungurawa said.

But following a closed-door meeting with Governor Yusuf and the leaders of the dissident group, the SSG distanced himself from the faction.

In a press conference on Monday, the SSG vehemently denied the allegations linking him to the dissident group. “Governor Yusuf is already my boss, and I have submitted myself to him,” he asserted. “I have nothing to do with this group and know nothing about it.”

Gov Yusuf jets out amidst turmoil

Amidst these tensions, Governor Yusuf departed the state on Tuesday evening, following a reconciliation meeting with SSG Bichi and disgruntled members of his constituency.

At the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, the governor waited for about two hours before departing for Abuja.

This development coincides with Kwankwaso’s presence in the state, where he has been engaged in discussions with party loyalists, including speaker of the state House of Assembly, Jibril Falgore, and other political stakeholders.

Kwankwaso refuses to comment on crisis

When approached by journalists on the matter, Kwankwaso declined to comment, stating, “I don’t want to talk, please. Don’t drag me into what I am not supposed to be dragged into. The chairman of the party has spoken and has been speaking; reach out to him.”

When further probed for comments, Kwankwaso reiterated his unwillingness to discuss the situation, suggesting that inquiries should be directed to the party chairman, who has been vocal on the matter.

For months, there has been a rising chorus on social media and during political programmes on local radio, urging the governor to assert his independence (locally termed Abba Tsaya da Kafarka). The group has reportedly grown to about 40 members, comprising both NNPP and Kwankwasiyya affiliates, along with a few from opposition parties.

This faction claims that Kwankwaso has maintained control over state affairs since Yusuf assumed office, dictating projects, appointments, and even limiting the governor’s authority without his approval. They urge him to reclaim his independence and exercise his powers fully.

Daily Trust reports that such internal conflicts contributed to the fallout between former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Kwankwaso, as many believe Ganduje resisted Kwankwaso’s control.

Comrade Nura Gambo Rimingata, a leading member of the faction and ally of SSG Bichi, criticised Kwankwaso’s interference as undemocratic, asserting that the people of Kano voted for Governor Yusuf, not Kwankwaso. “Governor Yusuf must be allowed to manage the state’s affairs without interference,” Rimingata stated. “We cannot allow a leader to usurp the powers of the elected governor and limit his tenure to one term.”

He further alleged that Kwankwaso and a select group of his followers have crafted a plan for the next political cycle, designating who will occupy key positions in 2027, including governor, deputy governor, and SSG.

However, these allegations were dismissed by an aide to the governor, Alhajiji Nagoda, who condemned the group for allegedly undermining the Kwankwasiyya Movement. “Who are they to claim that they are calling the governor to stand on his feet? He has been standing for himself all along,” Nagoda stated.

He cautioned the dissenters, noting the fate of previous politicians who betrayed their parties, such as Ganduje and Shekarau.

Renowned political analyst, Professor Kamilu Sani Fagge from Bayero University Kano attributed the crisis to a lack of internal democracy and ideology within the political parties.

“Political parties lack a coherent ideology and internal democracy. This disunity often surfaces during congresses and elections. Additionally, politics has become a money-making venture, attracting individuals seeking financial gain rather than genuine public service,” he explained.