New details have emerged regarding the rumored issues between Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), widely recognized in Kano as the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, the representative for Dala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has shed light on the situation, suggesting that the friction stems from disagreements over a controversial drug contract and a state-funded scholarship program.
Madakin-Gini, who previously held a close relationship with Kwankwaso, has recently distanced himself from the Kwankwasiyya Movement, indicating a growing divide within the NNPP in Kano.
While he remains a member of the NNPP, Madakin-Gini has aligned himself with a different faction, resulting in his ward executives announcing his suspension on Tuesday.
In his address to supporters, Madakin-Gini elaborated on the expectations of loyalty from Kwankwaso, stating, “The leader of Kwankwasiyya demands total obedience. He seeks to maintain absolute control across all 44 local government areas. During our meetings, he aims to identify those who demonstrate the most loyalty.”
He further noted that Governor Yusuf’s perceived missteps include his actions regarding the investigations into the drug contracts, which Kwankwaso reportedly deems more critical than anything undertaken by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Reports indicate that the drug contract controversy led to the arrest of Kwankwaso’s nephew by the state’s Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, which is investigating allegations that he secured contracts for all local government areas in the state.
Governor Yusuf has denied any knowledge of the contract awarding process and has directed the anti-corruption commission to investigate the claims of fraudulent activity.
Madakin-Gini also highlighted Kwankwaso’s dissatisfaction with Governor Yusuf’s investigation into irregularities in a scholarship program, revealing that only 400 beneficiaries received funding, despite 1,001 being initially approved by the governor.
“Moreover, he has expressed grievances over the refusal to dismiss Baffa Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government, and Muhammad Diggol, the Commissioner for Transport,” Madakin-Gini stated.
Both officials were allegedly linked to a faction aiming to support Yusuf’s independence from Kwankwaso’s influence, which led to their suspension by party officials.
“Abba was brought in merely as a puppet,” Madakin-Gini claimed. “If his actions are insufficient for them, the only recourse left is for him to submit completely.”
He advised a fellow governor, who is also a friend, against involving himself in disputes with Kwankwaso, believing that Kwankwaso would not entertain discussions.
As of the time of this report, Kwankwaso had not yet responded to these allegations.
