‘I’m APC leader in Kano, not answerable to Ganduje’ — Gov. Yusuf replies Kwankwaso

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared himself the leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kano State, insisting he is not answerable to former governor and ex-national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Mr Yusuf made the assertion while responding to criticisms trailing his defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party to the APC.

His political mentor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, had earlier condemned the move, accusing the governor of betraying the Kwankwasiyya movement by allegedly handing over its “hard-earned victory” to Ganduje, whom he described as an “enemy” of the state.

Speaking during a meeting with Gida-Gida reporters and political supporters, Yusuf dismissed the allegations, maintaining that his defection was necessitated by the protracted internal crisis within the NNPP.

He denied betraying the Kwankwasiyya movement, stating that he and his allies had repeatedly raised concerns over developments in the party, but were ignored.

“I want to reaffirm that in our breakaway from our former movement, we did not commit any wrongdoing. We raised concerns about the state of affairs in the party because we foresaw the crisis. We offered advice, but it was dismissed,” he said.

“By the grace of God, we acted early. If we had not taken that step, millions of people in Kano would have been affected. Today, there is calm, and the truth is clear for all to see,” he added.

The governor also challenged the narrative of betrayal, pointing out that members of the Kwankwasiyya movement were not consulted before Kwankwaso’s reported defection to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

“Today, they accuse us of betrayal. But were Kwankwasiyya members informed before some decided to dump the NNPP? Isn’t that also betrayal?” he queried.

Mr Yusuf further questioned who currently holds political authority within the APC in Kano.

“They say Abba has followed Ganduje to hand over what was entrusted to him. The question is: who is the leader of APC in Kano today?” he asked, to which supporters responded, “Abba is the leader.”

“Is that betrayal or progress? Abba, who was alone in NNPP, is now among over 31 governors. Is that backwardness or progress?” he added.

The governor maintained that while he has respect for Ganduje, he cannot be dictated to in the affairs of the state.

“What exists between me and Ganduje is mutual respect. But he cannot give me instructions because I am the leader,” Mr Yusuf said.