Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has said former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, cannot give him instructions on party matters in Kano State, insisting he is now the party’s leader in the state.
Yusuf made the remarks while responding to criticisms following his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC. He maintained that his decision did not amount to betrayal of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Speaking during a meeting with supporters, the governor said his defection was prompted by internal crises within the NNPP and earlier warnings he claimed were ignored by party leaders.
“I want to reaffirm that in breaking away 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.
He added that the decision to leave the party early helped prevent wider political instability in the state.
“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,” Yusuf stated.
Responding to allegations of betrayal from critics, the governor questioned whether members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement were consulted before some political actors also left the NNPP.
“Today, they accuse us of betrayal. But were Kwankwasiyya members informed before some decided to dump the NNPP? Isn’t that also betrayal?” he asked.
Yusuf also dismissed claims that his move to the APC placed him under Ganduje’s influence.
“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, as supporters responded in his favour.
He emphasised that while he maintains respect for the former APC chairman, he remains in charge of party affairs in the state.
“What exists between me and Ganduje is mutual respect. But he cannot give me instructions because I am the leader,” he said.
