Gov Abba Yusuf of Kano State has dismissed rumours of a rift with his political mentor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Yusuf also described a political group – “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (meaning “Abba, stand on your own”), which was formed to encourage him to make decisions independently of Kwankwaso’s input as ‘the greatest insult’ he has ever faced as a governor.

The faction formed within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) recently gained attention, with the group calling Governor Yusuf to distance himself from his political mentor.

The movement’s momentum has increased, with members from both the party and other political circles pushing for Yusuf’s perceived autonomy.

Addressing the group’s stand, Governor Yusuf said: “This ‘stand on your own’ slogan is the greatest insult I have faced as governor. It implies that I should repay good with bad. What has Kwankwaso done to me to deserve this? All the good we are doing for the people is overlooked, and instead, they promote this divisive rhetoric,” Yusuf remarked, adding, “It’s as if people do not know what we are doing for them.”

He made this statement during a press briefing in Kano yesterday, addressing the circulating speculations and rumours of a rift with Kwankwaso.

The governor reaffirmed that his relationship with Kwankwaso remains robust and respectful, as it has been for the last four decades.