Gov Yusuf: ‘Betraying Kwankwaso Never Ends Well’

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Saddam Sani Umar, Welfare Officer of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in Kano State, has dismissed claims that reports of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf potentially defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) would weaken the movement or its leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Speaking to Daily Trust, Umar described the speculation as exaggerated, stressing that Kwankwaso remains the most influential political figure in Kano State and nationally.

He rejected suggestions that Kwankwaso would lose out if Governor Yusuf switches allegiance, emphasizing the former presidential candidate’s enduring national relevance.

“I do not agree with that. Kwankwaso leads this movement across Nigeria, not just in Kano. To suggest he will be the loser is to ignore reality,” Umar said. “No matter how strong a political party claims to be, they are all pursuing Kwankwaso. He is the only leader in this country who truly stands for the masses.”

Citing past political history in Kano, Umar warned that abandoning Kwankwaso’s political structure often has consequences.

“Betraying Kwankwaso does not end well; history proves it. Look at the previous administration. Ganduje betrayed Kwankwaso and eventually lost,” he said.

Umar also recalled that Kwankwaso delivered victory for Yusuf in 2023, despite lacking control at the grassroots level.

“By 2023, even without a single councillor in government, Kwankwaso single-handedly brought in ‘Abba Gida Gida,’” he stated.

He emphasized that Yusuf’s political rise was built entirely on Kwankwaso’s influence.

“Abba had never contested for any position, not even as a councillor, in his life. He served as Kwankwaso’s PA for over 30 years. Kwankwaso elevated him to commissioner and then to governor. To think Kwankwaso will lose out now is myopic,” Umar added.

When asked if the APC and Governor Yusuf would be the ultimate losers, Umar answered affirmatively.

“Yes, that is my position. They will lose in Kano. When the time comes, the people will turn out massively to vote for anyone Kwankwaso chooses. In Kano, if Kwankwaso chooses a dog, the people will vote for it because they trust him as a leader who stands by his people,” he said.

Umar also dismissed fears that the Kwankwasiyya Movement would collapse without control of state resources.

“I don’t believe the movement will be affected. The other side may boast about government money and resources, but people are wise now. They will take your resources and use them to fight you. Many of those currently behind the governor are just hanging around to see what they can get,” he explained.

According to Umar, Kwankwaso has already instructed loyalists holding government positions to remain calm and strategic.

“This is why Kwankwaso said anyone who has spent their time and resources for this movement should not step down from their government positions, even if Abba moves to the APC. They should remain as strong pillars on standby. They may stay quiet for now, but the time for action will come,” Umar said.

When asked if this was a strategy to undermine the government from within, Umar denied such claims.

“We are not praying for open confrontation yet. As I speak, they haven’t even secured a waiver to move to another party because there is nothing solid on the ground,” he stated.

He further claimed that the APC’s true interest lies in Kwankwaso, not Governor Yusuf.

“The APC isn’t really looking for Gov Yusuf; they are looking for Kwankwaso. That is why you hear so many rumours,” Umar said.

Umar concluded by affirming that the Kwankwasiyya identity, symbolized by the red cap, remains intact despite internal disagreements.

“The red cap ideology remains. Even if they move to the APC, they wouldn’t dare remove the red cap for now. It would be the most dangerous thing they could do. The moment they take that cap off, they lose their political safety. You cannot tell the people of Kano that you are safe from Kwankwaso’s ideology; you would only be deceiving yourself,” he said.

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