Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said he is willing to reconcile with Governor Abba Yusuf despite the political differences that have strained their relationship.
Kwankwaso, who is the running mate to Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2027 election, made the disclosure in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service.
Yusuf, a long-time associate of Kwankwaso became Kano State governor in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). His subsequent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) created a rift between him and Kwankwaso.
However, speaking about their relationship, Kwankwaso said he had not abandoned Yusuf and did not ask him to leave the NNPP or change his political allegiance.
“I didn’t abandon him, didn’t ask him to go or dismiss him, I still like him,” he said.
Kwankwaso said he would forgive Yusuf and reconcile with him if the governor was willing to make peace, stressing that he does not hold grudges against people who have had political disagreements with him.
The former governor cited his relationship with former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje as an example, recalling that despite their political disagreements, he supported Ganduje at a crucial point in his political career.
“How many times did I have issues with Ganduje? He challenged me on several occasions,” Kwankwaso said.
“In 2007, when we were in the Ministry of Defence, he was my Special Assistant (SA), but they held meetings to bring me down because I contested with them.
“In spite the misgivings, I put Ganduje forward and supported him but he failed,” he added.
Kwankwaso said he does not see himself as a political leader who dictates what his associates must do, arguing that people have different backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking.
“I’m not God. So, if Yusuf or whoever wishes to come, you need to have patience, have a large heart and compassion because not all will play along your line,” he said.
“You don’t expect everybody to act, behave or think like you do, because everyone has his way of reasoning, age, background and educational qualifications.”
According to Kwankwaso, his willingness to forgive explains why he was able to support politicians with whom he had previously disagreed.
“So, if am not forgiving, we will not put Ganduje forward, the situation is the same with Yusuf,” he said.
He also maintained that his political support and endorsements were not based on financial considerations.
“We don’t ask for a dime from each of them to get our endorsement and tickets; we don’t sale our candidature,” he said.
Earlier in the month, Kwankwaso called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to abandon his 2027 presidential ambition and return to his hometown in Adamawa State.
Kwankwaso made the comment while addressing members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his residence in Abuja.
The former Kano governor urged people from Adamawa State to speak with Atiku and persuade him to return home and focus on his traditional responsibilities.
He said: “Tell the Waziri of Adamawa, Atiku Abubakar, in Fulfulde, to return to his hometown and give proper attention to his chieftaincy responsibilities, considering his age and physical condition. We promise that we will take care of him.
“Those of you who come from Adamawa should know how to appeal to him and make him understand.”
Atiku is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
