Kwankwaso Open to Reconciliation with Abba Yusuf, Says ‘I Still Like Him’

Former Kano State Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed his willingness to reconcile with Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Kwankwaso made this known in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, published on Sunday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). (News Agency of Nigeria)

The statement comes amid the political differences between the two politicians following Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), under which he won the 2023 Kano governorship election, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Yusuf had been a prominent member of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and was closely associated with Kwankwaso before the relationship became strained after his defection.

Speaking on the development, Kwankwaso said he had neither abandoned Yusuf nor asked him to leave, stressing that he still has affection for the governor.

“I didn’t abandon him, didn’t ask him to go or dismiss him, I still like him,” Kwankwaso said.

The former governor said he was not a vindictive person and had always been willing to forgive those who wronged him.

He cited his past relationship with former Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, with whom he had several political disagreements, as an example.

“How many times did I have issues with Ganduje? He challenged me on several occasions,” Kwankwaso said.

He recalled that Ganduje served as his Special Assistant at the Ministry of Defence in 2007, alleging that meetings were held to undermine him after he contested against them.

“Despite the misgivings, I put Ganduje forward and supported him but he failed,” he said.

Kwankwaso also said political leaders should understand that individuals have different backgrounds, experiences, ages and educational qualifications, and should not be expected to always think or act alike.

“I’m not God. So, if Yusuf or whoever wishes to come, you need to have patience, have a large heart and compassion because not all will play along your line,” he said.

He added that he does not regard himself as a leader who dictates what others should do, stressing that he remains actively involved in politics.

Kwankwaso further said he does not demand money in exchange for political endorsements or tickets.

“We don’t ask for a dime from each of them to get our endorsement and tickets; we don’t sell our candidature,” he said.