Kwankwaso Declares Yusuf and Ganduje Still His Political Protégés Amid Kano Power Struggles

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has reaffirmed that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and former Kano governor Abdullahi Ganduje remain his political protégés, reigniting conversations about loyalty, mentorship, and power struggles within Kano politics.

By Folarin Aluko

Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has reaffirmed that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje remain his political protégés despite growing political tensions and shifting alliances within Kano politics.
Kwankwaso made the remarks while addressing supporters and loyalists of the Kwankwasiyya movement at his Miller Road residence in Kano on Wednesday, where he responded to recent political discussions surrounding his long-standing influence over key political figures in the state.
His comments come amid renewed debates over political loyalty, mentorship, and power dynamics within Kano’s political landscape one of Nigeria’s most influential political strongholds.
“They Are Still My Political Sons”
Speaking before supporters, Kwankwaso initially joked about the controversy surrounding recent comments allegedly linked to Governor Yusuf regarding the use of the phrase “my boy.”
“I was made to understand that a few don’t want to be referred to as my boy,” Kwankwaso said jokingly, drawing laughter from members of the gathering.
However, the former governor later addressed the issue more directly in Hausa, insisting that both Governor Yusuf and Abdullahi Ganduje emerged politically under his guidance and mentorship.
“If it is not out of disrespect, will Abba Kabir Yusuf say he is not my political son? If it is not out of disrespect, will Abdullahi Umar Ganduje say he is not my political son?” Kwankwaso stated during the meeting.
His remarks have since generated widespread political reactions across Kano and beyond, with many interpreting the statement as a reaffirmation of his continued political dominance and influence in the state.
Rising Political Tensions in Kano
The latest comments come at a time of increasing political tension within Kano State, particularly as political actors begin positioning ahead of future elections and internal party realignments.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is widely seen as Kwankwaso’s political ally and successor, having risen through the Kwankwasiyya political structure before eventually becoming governor under the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Despite their close political relationship, recent reports suggesting that Yusuf questioned the “my boy” reference sparked speculation about possible internal disagreements within the movement.
Political observers say the controversy reflects broader conversations around political independence, loyalty, and generational leadership within Nigerian politics.
Ganduje and Kwankwaso’s Complicated Political History
The inclusion of Abdullahi Ganduje in Kwankwaso’s remarks also revived public attention on one of Kano’s most notable political rivalries.
Ganduje, who previously served as Kano State governor, was once Kwankwaso’s deputy during their time in office and remained one of his closest political associates for years before their relationship deteriorated over political disagreements and control of Kano’s political structure.
Although Ganduje has previously acknowledged working closely with Kwankwaso, he has repeatedly rejected the characterization of their relationship as a godfather-and-son arrangement.
In an earlier interview with the BBC, Ganduje explained that he became Kwankwaso’s deputy after losing party primaries during their first political outing together, adding that their later political alliance was based on strategic decisions rather than personal loyalty.
Their eventual fallout dramatically reshaped Kano politics, dividing supporters into rival camps and creating one of the fiercest political rivalries in northern Nigeria.
Kwankwasiyya’s Influence Remains Strong
Kwankwaso remains one of the most influential political figures in Kano State and northern Nigeria generally.
Over the decades, he has served as governor, minister, senator, and presidential candidate while building the Kwankwasiyya movement into a powerful political force with loyal grassroots support across Kano and parts of northern Nigeria.
Analysts believe his latest comments were aimed at reinforcing his political authority and reminding supporters of his role in shaping the careers of several major political figures in the region.
As political calculations ahead of future elections continue to intensify, observers say Kano may once again emerge as one of Nigeria’s most politically contested states.