By Musa Baba Adamu
Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed readiness to reconcile with Governor Abba Yusuf, saying he still holds the Kano governor in high regard despite their political differences.
Kwankwaso made the remarks during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, monitored in Abuja, excerpts of which he shared on his verified social media platform.
The relationship between the two politicians has deteriorated following Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), under which he won the 2023 governorship election, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Yusuf had been closely associated with Kwankwaso for decades, including serving as his political aide.
Despite the fallout, Kwankwaso said he had not abandoned Yusuf and did not instruct him to leave the NNPP.
“I didn’t abandon him, didn’t ask him to go or dismiss him, I still like him,” he said.
The former governor said he remained open to reconciliation if Yusuf was willing to return, stressing that he was not a vindictive politician and had always been prepared to forgive those who offended him.
Kwankwaso cited his past relationship with former Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje as an example, recalling that despite disagreements between them, he eventually supported Ganduje politically.
He said his decision to forgive political opponents was consistent with his approach to leadership.
According to him, political differences should not permanently destroy relationships, as people have different backgrounds, experiences, ages and ways of reasoning.
“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,” Kwankwaso said.
He added that he does not regard himself as a political leader who dictates what others must do, insisting that he remains actively involved in politics.
Kwankwaso also maintained that the Kwankwasiyya Movement does not demand money from politicians in exchange for endorsements or political 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.
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