Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has spoken on the political tension that reportedly existed between him and his former deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, prior to the latter’s resignation.
Governor Yusuf, who came into office on a joint ticket with Gwarzo in 2023, alleged that there was a plot by the former deputy governor to remove him from office.
The governor made the claim while receiving a political group loyal to him at the Government House, Kano, adding that he was not aware of Gwarzo’s resignation and had not received any official resignation letter.
Although he did not provide details of the alleged plot, Yusuf insisted that the attempt to unseat him failed.
He maintained that no individual, regardless of status, could remove him from office before the completion of his tenure, expressing confidence that his mandate remains intact. He also said he was satisfied with Gwarzo’s exit, describing it as an opportunity for a credible replacement.
“Today, the deputy governor who came with us on the same ticket is no longer with us. Nobody offended him. In fact, I have not even seen his resignation letter. Whatever made him act that way was an attempt to remove me and take over the position, but God did not allow it,” Yusuf said.
The governor added that his administration remains focused on delivering good governance despite political tensions, noting that credible individuals have already shown interest in filling the vacant position.
Yusuf also reacted to criticism from the Kwankwasiyya movement, which accused him of betrayal following his departure from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), arguing that recent defections of some members to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have exposed contradictions within the group.
He said those accusing him of betrayal had themselves made similar political choices, adding that internal party democracy was lacking in previous decision-making processes.
According to him, his actions were driven by the need to avoid uncertainty for the people of Kano State, insisting that efforts to resolve internal party disagreements were ignored.
“We saw the direction the party was heading and offered advice, but it was ignored. God showed us the way, and we left because we did not want to put millions of Kano residents in uncertainty,” he said.
He further stated that recent political developments had vindicated his position, adding that earlier warnings he issued before leaving the party had come to pass.
The governor also criticised what he described as attempts to elevate new political actors over longstanding members of the movement, questioning ongoing political realignments within the group.
