Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has pushed back against criticisms from former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, insisting that he cannot be directed on party or governance matters, while reaffirming his position as the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Yusuf’s comments come amid political reactions trailing his realignment within the NNPP and APC structure in Kano, as debates continue over claims of betrayal and internal party loyalty.
Speaking during a meeting with his political supporters, the governor dismissed allegations that he betrayed the Kwankwasiyya Movement, stressing that his political decisions were driven by internal crises within his former party.
“I want to reaffirm that in breaking away from our former movement, we did not commit any wrongdoing. We raised concerns about the state of affairs in the party because we foresaw the crisis. We offered advice, but it was dismissed.
“By the grace of God, we acted early. If we had not taken that step, millions of people in Kano would have been affected. Today, there is calm, and the truth is clear for all to see,” he said.
He also questioned accusations of betrayal directed at his political camp, arguing that similar actions by others had gone unchallenged.
“Today, they accuse us of betrayal. But were Kwankwasiyya members informed before some decided to dump the NNPP? Isn’t that also betrayal?” he asked.
Addressing claims that he had aligned himself under Ganduje’s influence within the APC structure, Yusuf maintained that leadership in Kano had shifted and could not be contested.
“They say Abba has followed Ganduje to hand over what was entrusted to him. The question is: who is the leader of APC in Kano Today?” he asked, to which supporters responded, “Abba is the leader!”
“Is that betrayal or progress? Abba, who was alone in NNPP, is now among over 31 governors. Is that backwardness or progress?” he further asked.
The governor stressed that while he maintains respect for Ganduje, he would not accept directives from him in matters concerning the state or party leadership.
“What exists between me and Ganduje is mutual respect. But he cannot give me instructions because I am the leader,” Yusuf said.
