Kano’s Kwankwasiyya Loyalists Warn Against Betrayal

The political atmosphere in Kano State is thick with tension as rumors of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s potential defection to the All Progressives Congress continue to swirl. Amidst this uncertainty, the Kwankwasiyya Movement has issued a stern warning to those considering a break from the political structure of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Saddam Sani Umar, the movement’s State Welfare Officer, has dismissed the notion that such a move would diminish the influence of their leader.

Speaking with the authority of a seasoned party insider, Umar characterized the speculation regarding the Governor’s departure as largely exaggerated and ultimately futile. He maintains that Kwankwaso remains the most significant political gravity in Kano and the broader Nigerian landscape. For the movement, the suggestion that the former presidential candidate would emerge as a loser in this political reshuffling is a fundamental misunderstanding of the region’s power dynamics.

Umar argued that Kwankwaso’s relevance is not tied to the temporary occupancy of an office but to a national identity centered on the masses. He pointed out that even major political parties are constantly in pursuit of Kwankwaso’s endorsement, suggesting that he is the only leader in the country who genuinely stands for the common man. This grassroots connection, he believes, is far more resilient than any formal party affiliation.

Drawing from the volatile history of Kano politics, Umar offered a grim reminder to those contemplating a change in loyalty. He noted that history has not been kind to those who have betrayed Kwankwaso’s political mentorship. Specifically, he pointed to the previous administration, suggesting that the former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, suffered political setbacks as a direct consequence of turning his back on his former benefactor.

The strategist emphasized the miraculous nature of the 2023 election victory, which saw Abba Kabir Yusuf rise to power. At the time, the Kwankwasiyya structure did not hold a single council seat or the levers of state government. Despite lacking these traditional resources, Kwankwaso was able to mobilize the electorate and deliver a victory for the man popularly known as “Abba Gida Gida.”

The narrative within the movement is that the Governor’s rise was an act of political elevation by Kwankwaso rather than a solo achievement. Before becoming Governor, Yusuf had served as Kwankwaso’s personal assistant for over three decades and was later appointed as a commissioner. To suggest that the mentor would now be outmaneuvered by the protege is, in Umar’s view, a shortsighted perspective on power.

Umar was blunt about the potential electoral consequences if a final split occurs. He predicted that the APC and any defecting officials would be the ultimate losers in Kano. According to him, the trust the people place in Kwankwaso is so absolute that they would vote for any candidate he chooses, regardless of their background, simply because they believe in his leadership.

Regarding the use of state resources to influence the coming political battles, the welfare officer remained unfazed. He argued that the wisdom of the electorate has evolved beyond the lure of government funding. He suggested that many people currently surrounding the Governor are doing so for opportunistic reasons and would not hesitate to use those very resources to fight back when the time for an election arrives.

Interestingly, the movement appears to be adopting a “wait and see” strategy. Umar revealed that Kwankwaso has advised his loyalists currently holding government positions not to resign, even if the Governor officially moves to the APC. These individuals are expected to remain as “pillars on standby,” staying quiet for now but remaining ready for action when the political climate shifts toward a new election cycle.

The strategist also dismissed the idea that the APC is truly interested in Governor Yusuf himself. He claimed that the ruling party’s real target is the formidable political machinery controlled by Kwankwaso. This, he says, is why rumors are constantly being manufactured to create a wedge between the Governor and his mentor.

Symbolism remains a potent weapon in Kano’s political theater, particularly the iconic red cap associated with the Kwankwasiyya ideology. Umar asserted that even if the Governor’s camp attempts a move to a new party, they would not dare to discard the red cap. He described the cap as a symbol of political safety, warning that removing it would be the most dangerous move an official could make in the eyes of the Kano public.

Ultimately, the message from the Kwankwasiyya heartland is one of defiance and confidence. While the Governor may be exploring his options, the movement believes the foundation of his power remains firmly rooted in the house that Kwankwaso built. As the 2027 cycle approaches, the question remains whether the Governor will risk the “consequences of betrayal” or find a way to reconcile with the leader who brought him to the pinnacle of state power.