Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed his willingness to reconcile with Governor Abba Yusuf. Their strained relationship resulted from Yusuf's defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Kwankwaso stated this in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service. He emphasized that he did not abandon Yusuf and did not ask him to leave the NNPP or change his political allegiance.
Kwankwaso, who is the running mate to Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2027 election, cited his relationship with former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje as an example of his ability to forgive and reconcile. Despite their political disagreements, Kwankwaso supported Ganduje at a crucial point in his political career. He mentioned that he and Ganduje had issues in the past, including in 2007 when they were in the Ministry of Defence.
Kwankwaso stressed that he does not hold grudges against people who have had political disagreements with him. He described himself as a political leader who does not dictate what his associates must do, acknowledging that people have different backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking. According to Kwankwaso, his willingness to forgive explains why he was able to support politicians with whom he had previously disagreed.
The former governor also maintained that his political support and endorsements were not based on financial considerations. He stated that they do not ask for money from politicians to get their endorsement and tickets. 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. He urged people from Adamawa State to speak with Atiku and persuade him to return home and focus on his traditional responsibilities. Atiku is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Kwankwaso's comments on Atiku's presidential ambition were seen as a surprise move, given their past political affiliations. Atiku has not publicly responded to Kwankwaso's comments. Meanwhile, Kwankwaso's willingness to reconcile with Yusuf has been seen as a positive development in the country's politics.
The development could potentially lead to a shift in the political landscape of Kano State and Nigeria as a whole. Kwankwaso's Kwankwasiyya Movement has a significant following in Kano State, and his reconciliation with Yusuf could impact the state's politics. The situation remains to be seen as the 2027 election approaches.
Key points
- Kwankwaso willing to reconcile with Governor Yusuf
- Kwankwaso cites relationship with Ganduje as example of forgiveness
- Kwankwaso's comments on Atiku's presidential ambition spark surprise
