Kwankwaso Offers to Forgive, Reconcile With Kano Governor Abba Yusuf

Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed his willingness to forgive and reconcile with the current Kano governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, if the governor is ready to restore their relationship.

Kwankwaso made the remarks in an interview with BBC Hausa, which he later shared on his verified social media account.

The former governor said he had never abandoned Yusuf or asked him to leave the Kwankwasiyya political movement, stressing that he still has affection for the governor despite their differences.

“I never abandoned him. I never asked him to leave, and I never expelled him. I still love him,” Kwankwaso said.

He said political disagreements should not permanently damage personal relationships, urging political leaders to embrace patience, forgiveness and compassion.

The relationship between Kwankwaso and Yusuf became strained after Yusuf, who was elected governor in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Kwankwaso also referred to his past political differences with former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, saying that despite their disagreements, he eventually forgave and supported him.

He further said he did not consider himself a leader who expected people to always act according to his wishes, noting that individuals have different backgrounds, ages, upbringing and educational experiences.

“I am not God. If Abba or anyone else wants to return, one must be patient, forgiving and compassionate, because not everyone will follow your path,” he said.

Kwankwaso’s comments come amid continued political realignments in Kano, where relationships within the Kwankwasiyya political camp have been subject to significant changes in recent years.