Gov Yusuf warns Kwankwaso over alleged verbal attacks

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, in Rano during the endorsement of Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila as the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Kano South ahead of future elections, has warned his former political mentor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over what he described as persistent verbal attacks on his administration.

Yusuf issued the warning in Rano during the formal endorsement of Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila as the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Kano South ahead of future elections.

The governor said his administration had deliberately remained silent despite growing criticism from Kwankwaso and his loyalists following their political fallout earlier this year, adding that the decision was aimed at maintaining peace in the state.

“We have chosen peace in Kano above everything else, but if the situation persists, we will speak out,” Yusuf said. “Remaining silent does not mean we are afraid.”

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In an apparent response to recent remarks attributed to Kwankwaso, Yusuf questioned why an older political associate would repeatedly refer to him in dismissive terms despite their long-standing relationship.

He maintained that his restraint was due to respect and political maturity rather than intimidation, warning that continued attacks could force him to reveal sensitive details about their political relationship.

The remarks marked Yusuf’s strongest public criticism yet of Kwankwaso since both men reportedly parted ways politically months ago, ending years of close alliance within the Kwankwasiyya movement.

The rift between the two influential Kano politicians has continued to deepen following Yusuf’s reported exit from the political structure founded by Kwankwaso.

It will be recalled that Kwankwaso, during an interview with Trust TV, accused Yusuf of making a major political mistake by distancing himself from the Kwankwasiyya movement.

He also claimed the movement played a decisive role in Yusuf’s rise to political prominence and eventual emergence as governor.

The growing tension between the two politicians has fuelled speculation over possible political realignments ahead of future elections in Kano State.