Kwankwaso again extends olive branch to Kano gov Yusuf

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the 2027 vice-presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has again extended a hand of reconciliation to Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf despite their lingering political differences.

Kwankwaso made the latest overture in an interview with BBC Hausa published on Sunday, saying he still has affection for Yusuf and remains open to reconciliation if the governor is willing.

“I didn’t abandon him, didn’t ask him to go or dismiss him, I still like him,” Kwankwaso said.

Yusuf became governor of Kano State in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), with strong backing from Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya political movement.

Their relationship, however, deteriorated after Yusuf defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and aligned with former Kano governor Abdullahi Ganduje, a long-time political rival of Kwankwaso.

Despite the fallout, Kwankwaso said he was not a vindictive person and had forgiven those who had wronged him.

He cited his past relationship with Ganduje as another example, saying he had forgiven the former governor despite their political disagreements.

“How many times did I have issues with Ganduje? He challenged me on several occasions.

“In 2007, when we were in the Ministry of Defence, he was my special assistant, but they held meetings to bring me down because I contested them.

“Despite the misgivings, I put Ganduje forward and supported him, but he failed,” Kwankwaso said.

Kwankwaso said he would similarly welcome Yusuf if the governor decided to return, stressing that patience, compassion and a large heart were necessary in politics.

He also dismissed the perception that political endorsements or tickets were sold for money, saying he and his associates did not demand money from people seeking political support.