Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has warned that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf would face the consequences of his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kwankwaso made the comments during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, describing Yusuf’s exit from the NNPP as shocking, painful, and difficult to comprehend.
He said the governor and other defectors would eventually regret their actions, stressing that political decisions carry long-term implications.
“What has happened is very disturbing. Leaving the party that worked tirelessly to build you and brought you to power is not something that can be easily explained,” Kwankwaso said.
He cautioned that while the defectors may feel victorious now, time would reveal the full consequences of their decisions.
Kwankwaso lamented that the manner of Yusuf’s departure had unsettled NNPP members and supporters across Kano State, describing the mood within the Kwankwasiyya political family as one of disbelief and betrayal.
“Many people have come to me saying they believe what happened was part of a deal — either between me and him, or between me and those around him.
Even I, on many occasions, find it hard to believe that things unfolded the way they did,” he noted, insisting that no such agreement existed.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Diaspora Matters, Alhaji Danladi AbdulHamid, affirmed his intention to remain in Governor Yusuf’s cabinet until directed otherwise by Kwankwaso.
AbdulHamid, an indigene of Niger State, was introduced to Yusuf by Kwankwaso, which led to his appointment as commissioner.
“As for my portfolio as Commissioner for Diaspora, whether I am there or not I will continue to advise Abba because Kwankwaso introduced me to Abba.
Unless and until Kwankwaso asks me to withdraw from Abba’s cabinet, I will remain,” he said.
AbdulHamid admitted that he was unsettled by the defection, describing it as still feeling like a “dream,” and revealed that he had not been able to reach the governor since the announcement, despite repeated attempts.
The development underscores growing tensions within the Kwankwasiyya political fold and highlights the potential political repercussions for party members who shift allegiance ahead of upcoming elections.
