Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the influential leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, has leveled harsh criticisms against individuals within his own political camp, accusing them of trying to undermine the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), who is also the driving force behind the Kwankwasiyya Movement, asserts that some party members are intentionally causing friction between him and the governor for personal gain.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Kwankwaso spoke out against calls for Governor Yusuf to “stand on his feet” and sever ties with the Kwankwasiyya Movement. The call has stirred controversy, with many observers wondering whether it is an earnest plea for independence or a thinly veiled attempt by political rivals to gain power.
Kwankwaso suggested that behind the push for Yusuf to distance himself from his political roots was a faction determined to see the governor fail. He hinted at an internal struggle where some aspirants, eyeing the position of governor for themselves, were hoping to capitalize on any missteps Yusuf might make.
“There are those who, under the guise of advice, are plotting to sabotage the governor’s administration,” Kwankwaso stated. “They are trying to create a false narrative that the governor should stand alone, but what they truly mean is to incite division and set the stage for their own political maneuvering.”
At the heart of the matter, according to Kwankwaso, is a misunderstanding of the Kwankwasiyya Movement’s principles. “Kwankwasiyya is not a political party in the conventional sense; it is a movement of people united by a common vision. When someone like Governor Yusuf takes the mantle, he becomes part of that movement’s collective mission. If he fails to deliver, the failure isn’t his alone — it reflects on the movement as a whole,” he added.
Kwankwaso was quick to dismiss accusations that he has been meddling in the affairs of Yusuf’s administration. He stressed that his role has always been advisory, offering guidance when approached by the governor. “I have always made it clear that I do not interfere in his day-to-day governance. However, when consulted, I offer my advice and share perspectives that are important for the success of his leadership,” Kwankwaso said.
However, those calling for Yusuf to “stand on his feet,” according to Kwankwaso, were trying to fuel tension within the governor’s administration and create an opening for their personal ambitions. These figures, Kwankwaso believes, hope that by instigating a rift between him and the governor, they can present themselves as the solution to the imagined problem and ultimately position themselves as contenders for the gubernatorial seat.
He expressed appreciation for Governor Yusuf’s resolve in the face of these pressures, commending the governor for rejecting the divide-and-conquer tactics of his detractors. “I want to thank Governor Yusuf for his strength and courage. He understands the game being played and refuses to be swayed by those trying to undermine him.”
This political infighting comes at a critical time for Governor Yusuf, who is still navigating the complex realities of governance in a state marred by socio-economic challenges. As a relatively new leader, he faces immense pressure from both his supporters and detractors. Some believe that a united front between the governor and the Kwankwasiyya Movement is essential for continued progress, while others argue that Yusuf needs to distance himself from Kwankwaso to establish independent authority.
Despite these internal party dynamics, Kwankwaso remains a powerful figure in Nigerian politics, known for his ability to rally large groups of people under the Kwankwasiyya banner. His influence extends beyond the Kano State borders, and he is widely regarded as one of the most strategic political leaders in Northern Nigeria. His commitment to the cause of the Kwankwasiyya Movement is undeniable, even as the group faces opposition from various quarters.
The escalating tensions within the NNPP underscore a broader challenge facing political parties in Nigeria: the balance between internal unity and personal ambition. As the power struggle between factions intensifies, both Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf will need to carefully navigate their political careers while fending off rival forces seeking to capitalize on any perceived vulnerability.
