A fresh wave of political tension has emerged in Kano State following a pointed intervention by Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, amid reported defections involving Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and several key political figures.
The development has intensified speculation of a widening fallout between Kwankwaso and some of his former allies, including individuals he once mentored politically.
The situation escalated after reports that Governor Yusuf, alongside a number of local government council chairmen, members of the House of Representatives and political aides, had resigned and were allegedly making moves towards the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing loyalists at his residence in Kano shortly after the governor’s resignation became public, Kwankwaso, who is also the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), delivered a firm message underscoring his political philosophy and long-standing commitment to grassroots politics.
He said his decades-long involvement in politics had never been driven by personal enrichment, but by a desire to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Emphasising his independence, Kwankwaso told supporters that he was not motivated by material inducements and had resisted opportunities to abandon his political convictions for personal gain.
According to him, the strength of the Kwankwasiyya Movement lies in shared ideals and collective sacrifice rather than financial incentives.
He noted that loyalty to a common vision, not monetary rewards, has sustained the movement through political challenges and changing alliances.
Kwankwaso also used the occasion to urge his supporters to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He cautioned against complacency, stressing that sustained commitment and vigilance were essential to achieving the movement’s long-term political objectives.
Reflecting on recent developments in Kano State, he warned that forces opposed to the ideals and structures built over the years were working to dismantle them.
He called on supporters to begin early preparations, describing the current political climate as a signal that decisive action and organisation were required.
Reaffirming his stance, the former governor assured followers that he would remain steadfast in defending the interests of the masses.
He pledged not to align with individuals or groups he accused of exploiting ordinary citizens for political advantage.
The unfolding events signal a potentially significant realignment in Kano’s political landscape, as tensions rise within the NNPP and uncertainty grows over the future political direction of the state.
