2026

By Kabiru Sani Maiwanki Dandago (Gwale LGA) The recent pronouncements by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso regarding Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s strategic political recalibration have finally stripped away the façade, exposing the profound ideological fissures within the NNPP. In a caustic address delivered this January 2026, the Senator characterized the Governor’s newfound autonomy as a “betrayal” more egregious than that of his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje. However, in this vitriolic attempt to cast himself as the victim of political infidelity, Kwankwaso inadvertently betrayed a disconcerting truth: he viewed the incumbent administration not as a sovereign executive entity, but as a subordinate instrument of his personal political estate. Senator Kwankwaso’s admission that he expected the Kano State government to function as a “geopolitical centrifuge” to project his hegemony into neighboring territories is remarkably candid. It implies that his patronage of the current administration was never rooted in the socio-economic advancement of the Kano populace, but was instead a cynical stratagem to treat the state’s commonwealth as a private war chest for a singular, ego-driven presidential odyssey. The depth of the Senator’s desperation is now laid bare. His recent public appeal asking anyone with access to the Governor to “beg him to come back” reveals a leader who has finally grasped the magnitude of his loss. Read Also: APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf Considers Defection Most telling, however, is the Senator’s demand that the Governor should “assign and surrender the seat” if he leaves the movement. This demand is the height of political confusion. The Governorship of Kano is a constitutional mandate belonging to the people, not a government agency or a piece of furniture to be “returned” to a benefactor’s private residence. By resisting this role, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has committed what Kwankwaso perceives as an unpardonable “sin” of independence. His refusal to allow the Kano State treasury to be cannibalized for regional political expansion is a resounding victory for fiscal prudence and administrative transparency. He has chosen to be the custodian of the people’s trust rather than a puppet for personal ambition, and in doing so, he has redefined the essence of leadership in Kano for 2026 and beyond.

The Kano State Special Advisers’ Forum has called for restraint, maturity and responsible conduct among political actors amid the evolving political atmosphere in the state. In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its Secretary, Dr. Idris Salisu Rogo, the forum said politics, by nature, allows for differing opinions and alignments, but stressed that political engagement must be guided by respect, decorum and a shared commitment to the peace and progress of Kano State. The advisers cautioned political appointees, party members, supporters and the general public against the use of inflammatory language, personal attacks, threats and the disclosure of private communications, noting that such actions undermine public trust and distract from governance. According to the forum, Kano State has a long-standing tradition of political awareness and civility which must be preserved, especially at critical moments in the state’s political journey. Read Also: APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf Considers Defection Unchecked Sand Mining Threatens 300-Year-Old Farming Community in Kano Cervical Cancer Claims One Life Every Two Minutes, UN Says The Special Advisers’ Forum reaffirmed that the Executive Governor of Kano State remains the leader of the government and holds the ultimate authority on political direction and decision-making. It pledged its loyalty and alignment with any political decisions taken by the governor in the interest of the state and its citizens. The forum also expressed collective support for the governor’s ongoing efforts in promoting good governance, people-oriented policies, infrastructural development, social welfare programmes and reforms aimed at improving the lives of residents. It said the achievements recorded across key sectors under the governor’s leadership were visible and should be safeguarded and strengthened. The advisers urged all stakeholders to place the interests of Kano State above personal sentiments or political rivalries, calling for constructive, responsible and patriotic engagement. They emphasized that unity within government and mutual respect among political actors are essential for stability, effective governance and the realization of the administration’s development agenda. The forum reaffirmed its commitment to promoting dialogue, internal cohesion and responsible communication in support of the governor’s leadership and the broader development objectives of Kano State.