Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has warned his former political mentor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to stop making repeated public attacks against his administration, declaring that he may soon respond publicly if the criticism continues.
The governor said his silence should not be interpreted as weakness or fear, but as a conscious decision rooted in respect, morality, and political maturity.
Governor Yusuf made the remarks on Monday while addressing supporters during the affirmation of Abdulrahman Kawu as the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Kano South in Rano.
In an apparent reference to Kwankwaso whom he did not mention by name, the governor hinted that he could reveal hidden details if pushed further.
“For us, Kano’s peace is our priority, but if we are pushed to the wall, we will open our mouths and talk. Silence is not a sign of fear,” Governor Yusuf said.
The comments mark the first time the governor has publicly responded to his former political godfather since their fallout in January, which followed Governor Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the APC.
Speaking further, the governor addressed comments allegedly made by Mr Kwankwaso regarding age and respect, insisting that maturity should influence public conduct.
“To even keep quiet is an act of worship, not because we are afraid, not because we are kids. How could a 69-year-old call a 63-year-old a kid? It is just personal respect because you are slightly older than me,” the governor stated.
He warned that continued attacks could force him to abandon his restraint.
“However, if an old man does not respect himself and keep quiet, the younger one will have plenty to say. So, we are pleading with them in the name of the Almighty and His Messenger to keep their mouths shut. Else, you will hear a lot of revelations,” the governor said as supporters erupted in applause.
Mr Kwankwaso had, in several interviews, criticised Governor Yusuf’s decision to defect to the APC, describing it as “the worst political betrayal in the world.”
According to Mr Kwankwaso, the governor’s defection betrayed the trust of both the Kwankwasiyya movement and the people of Kano. He also urged voters to reject the governor and his allies in the 2027 elections.
Governor Yusuf defected to the APC in January alongside several elected officials, including federal and state lawmakers as well as all 44 local government chairpersons in Kano.
Sources close to the governor claimed he became uncomfortable with what they described as Mr Kwankwaso’s overwhelming influence over appointments, commissioners, and key government decisions.
Supporters of the governor argued that the move to the APC was necessary to free the administration from external control and strengthen Kano’s relationship with the federal government.
For Mr Kwankwaso, however, the defection represented an unforgivable act of political betrayal, as he accused Governor Yusuf of handing over the opposition’s 2023 electoral mandate to the APC, led nationally by Bola Tinubu and locally by Abdullahi Ganduje, one of his long-time political rivals.
Following the split, Mr Kwankwaso later exited the NNPP and joined a broader opposition coalition. He has since aligned with former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi under the newly formed NDC platform.
