The divide within the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano has widened more as Governor Abba Yusuf has been unresponsive to meetings and has ignored calls from his political mentor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Speculation is growing in Kano about Abba’s potential break from Kwankwaso, fueled by increasing calls from party members and external sources for the governor to assert his independence. The political manoeuvring to distance from Kwankwaso appears to be multi-faceted.
While some political allies are actively negotiating with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), others have reportedly secured a court ruling aimed at shifting control of the NNPP away from Kwankwaso.
On November 1, an Abia State High Court granted an order reinstating control of the party to former leader Boniface Aniebonam, a move viewed by observers as a tactic to foster factionalism within the party and lay the groundwork for the governor’s anticipated switch to the APC.
Key figures in this rebellion include the Secretary to the State Government, Baffa Bichi; the Commissioner for Transport, Mohammed Diggol; the Commissioner for Education, Umar Doguwa; Senator Kawu Sumaila from Kano South; and various members of the Kano House of Assembly.
Reports indicate that the governor has decided to pursue greater independence from Kwankwaso to define a clearer path for his administration. “Abba doesn’t intend to disrespect Kwankwaso, but he genuinely seeks autonomy. Most of the commissioners were appointed by Kwankwaso, yet Abba still collaborates with them, reflecting his respect,” an insider revealed.
Sources suggest that the governor has grown weary of his mentor’s alleged overreach, particularly regarding local government matters. The strain in their relationship became evident in March when Kwankwaso appointed caretaker local government chairmen without involving the governor.
In response to Kwankwaso’s perceived meddling and accusations of being subservient, Abba began to withdraw from local government affairs as a form of protest.
This got to a point on September 19, when the governor dismissed the caretaker chairmen just days after the Kano State House of Assembly, reportedly at Kwankwaso’s request, approved a two-month extension for them.
The already tense relationship reached a new low when Kwankwaso recently appointed new council chairmen, deputies, secretaries, councillors, and supervisory councillors without consulting the governor.
