A faction of politicians within the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano, operating under the banner “Abba Should Stand On His Feet” (Abba Tsaya Da Kafarka), has emerged from the popular Kwankwasiyya Movement, urging Governor Abba Yusuf to take charge of state affairs without interference from Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The group’s formation has sparked internal tensions within the party. In an effort to address the crisis, Governor Yusuf held a reconciliation meeting with Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Baffa Bichi.
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After the meeting, both addressed the press, with Bichi pledging his loyalty to the governor. “My allegiance is to the governor, and I will do whatever pleases him,” the SSG declared.
However, shortly after the meeting, NNPP Chairman Hashimu Dungurawa, a known ally of Sen. Kwankwaso, announced Bichi’s indefinite suspension from the party, accusing him of disloyalty.
The crisis stems from allegations that Sen. Kwankwaso, who led the Kwankwasiyya Movement and was the NNPP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has been exerting undue control over Governor Yusuf. Kwankwaso is alleged to be making political appointments and influencing state projects, with some observers viewing Yusuf’s administration as an extension of Kwankwaso’s tenure.
Accusations have also surfaced that during parallel events hosted by Kwankwaso and the state, commissioners and political appointees abandon the governor’s functions to attend Kwankwaso’s. This has fueled concerns that Yusuf is seen as operating under the former governor’s influence.
The “Abba Should Stand On His Feet” group is calling on Governor Yusuf to assert his authority as the chief executive of the state. “The people of Kano voted for Governor Yusuf, not Sen. Kwankwaso,” the group stated, labeling Kwankwaso’s control as undemocratic.
Comrade Nura Gambo Rimingata, a key member of the group and an ally of the SSG, emphasized the need for Governor Yusuf to govern independently. “Politics must be played accordingly. Governor Yusuf should be allowed to manage the affairs of the state without interference,” Rimingata said.
