Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed claims that he controls the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, saying the state government operates independently.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa during his 69th birthday celebrations in Kano, Kwankwaso said there was no rift between him and Governor Yusuf, adding that reports of tension were the handiwork of political mischief-makers.
“There is no problem between me and Governor Abba. We gave him the chance to perform, and he is doing his best,” he said. “Those claiming that I control contracts or run the government are only being mischievous.”
Kwankwaso, who was the NNPP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, warned members abandoning the NNPP or the Kwankwasiyya movement that they would face political consequences in the 2027 polls.
“If anyone thinks he can leave us and still win an election in Kano, he is only deceiving himself,” he said. “Our political project will continue to take action against betrayal.”
He expressed confidence that the NNPP would remain a major political force, saying Nigerians, especially the youth, were now more politically aware and would resist manipulation in future elections.
