Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a strongman of Kano politics, has expressed his willingness to reconcile with Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf despite their political differences. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso stated that his affection for Yusuf has not wavered. He emphasized that political disagreements should not permanently destroy relationships built over many years. Kwankwaso's comments come amid continuing political realignments in Kano.
The disagreement between Kwankwaso and Yusuf became pronounced after Yusuf defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Kwankwaso was instrumental in Yusuf's emergence as the NNPP candidate in the 2023 election. Yusuf won the 2023 Kano governorship election on the platform of the NNPP before his defection. Kwankwaso's emergence in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has also contributed to the ongoing political shifts in Kano.
Kwankwaso stressed that he did not abandon Yusuf or ask him to leave the movement. He noted that Yusuf is the one who left, and he remains open to restoring their relationship if Yusuf is willing to return to the political fold. Kwankwaso also mentioned that he won't be unforgiving to anyone who left and comes back. This includes Yusuf and potentially others who may have departed from his movement.
Kwankwaso emphasized that leadership should not be based on forcing people to conform to one's personal preferences. He believes politicians must learn to accommodate differences in opinion and allow people to make their own choices. According to Kwankwaso, individuals differ in background, upbringing, age, and education, and leaders need to have an open heart to accommodate these differences.
The former Kano governor cited his long-standing political disagreements with former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as an example of how political conflicts can eventually give way to reconciliation. Despite having serious disagreements with Ganduje at different points, Kwankwaso later supported his political emergence. He argued that forgiveness has been part of his approach to political relationships.
Kwankwaso maintained that he is not driven by vindictiveness and would rather leave room for reconciliation. He said political relationships can change as circumstances and individual choices evolve. According to Kwankwaso, politics involves ebbs and flows, and leaders must adapt to these changes. He used his relationship with Ganduje as a prime example of this adaptability.
The former governor further stressed that he does not regard himself as a leader who dictates the choices of others. He believes that political followers cannot be expected to think or act exactly alike. Kwankwaso's approach to politics emphasizes accommodation and forgiveness, which he believes is essential for building and maintaining strong relationships in the political sphere.
Key points
- Kwankwaso is open to reconciling with Yusuf if he returns to the political fold.
- Kwankwaso emphasizes the importance of accommodating differences in opinion in politics.
- Kwankwaso cites his past reconciliation with Ganduje as an example of his approach to political relationships.
