Governor Abba Yusuf has issued a strong warning to former Governor of the state, Rabiu Kwankwaso amid growing political tension between the two influential figures in Kano State.
Speaking before a crowd in Kano, Yusuf cautioned his former political mentor against what he described as repeated disrespect and inflammatory remarks directed at him.
The governor stated that although he had remained silent out of respect and loyalty, he would no longer hesitate to respond if Kwankwaso continued attacking him publicly.
“If he doesn’t keep quiet and control his words, I will start saying things he wouldn’t like,” Yusuf warned.
The governor was reacting to recent comments made by Kwankwaso during an interview, where the former presidential candidate accused Yusuf of betrayal and vowed to politically defeat him in the 2027 governorship election.
Kwankwaso, a former leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, had expressed disappointment over what he described as disloyalty from Yusuf and some of his close associates.
Using a Hausa proverb during the interview, Kwankwaso said, “Ina ruwan jaka da inda aka ajiye ta,” which translates to, “A bag has no choice of where it is kept.”
“I never expected betrayal from him. I gave my final trust, but today you can all see where it has led us,” the former governor said.
Kwankwaso also criticised some beneficiaries of educational programmes introduced during his administration, alleging that certain individuals who benefited from government sponsorship later turned against the political movement that supported them.
Responding to the remarks, Governor Yusuf questioned why Kwankwaso continued referring to him in a dismissive manner despite their age difference being relatively small.
“How can a 69-year-old man call someone who is 63 a boy? I tolerated that because of obedience,” Yusuf stated.
He added that while he remains committed to maintaining peace and stability in Kano State, there is a limit to what he would continue to tolerate politically.
“I believe peace and stability in Kano State are paramount, but if we are pushed too far, we will speak out,” the governor added.
The public exchange has further fueled speculation about a deepening rift between the two political allies whose relationship once shaped the political structure of Kano State.
