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A Call for Reflection to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

By Abba Dukawa

I write in a spirit of reflection and strategic counsel, mindful of the evolving political realignments in Kano State. Recent developments surrounding Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf have naturally refocused attention on your enduring influence and legacy.

Political maneuvering—even perceived betrayal—is familiar terrain in Nigerian politics. Your journey from APC (2013) to PDP (2018) and later NNPP (2022) reflects a fundamental truth: politics demands adaptability. Loyalty matters, but survival and strategy often prevail.

Governor Abba Yusuf’s anticipated defection to the APC marks a significant shift in Kano’s political dynamics. While the Kwankwasiyya movement remains influential, effective control of the state machinery appears to be slipping beyond your immediate reach. This moment calls not for confrontation, but for recalibration. Clinging to power at all costs risks eroding both dignity and legacy.

 A strategic retreat from Kano’s daily political battles—while strengthening your national profile and cultivating broader alliances—would better serve your long-term presidential aspirations. Politics is a marathon, not a sprint; timing and patience are as vital as courage.

Your acknowledgment that government appointees face pressure to align with the sitting governor reflects a reality of diminished leverage. 

What may be perceived as wavering loyalty is often calculated self-preservation. The prolonged tension between Kwankwasiyya and Gandujiyya has placed many political actors in untenable positions, deepening divisions across the state. 

Reports of attempts to constrain Governor Abba Yusuf’s future political options further underscore the urgency of preparing decisively for 2027.

Ultimately, strategy—not rhetoric—determines political outcomes. While faith in Allah guides all affairs, success in politics rests on planning, restraint, and timing.

 Supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement must recognize that sustained attacks on Governor Abba Kabir continue to erode public perception, painting Kwankwasiyya members as arrogant and provoking resistance from Abba’s supporters. His actions are less about betrayal and more about asserting autonomy. Blind loyalty, without strategic judgment, risks political irrelevance.

Recent speeches by Madugo,  in symbolism and coded language, appear to have aggregated the political situation, suggesting a desire for independence from the governor rather than outright rebellion.

 This reality calls for wisdom and clarity, not denial. Time is fleeting, and politics rewards those who adapt. A measured recalibration now—one that preserves dignity, leverages your national stature, and prepares deliberately for 2027—will safeguard both your relevance and your legacy.

I therefore urge you and your supporters to remember that politics is not a do-or-die affair. The palace coup that caused the split between Kwankwaso and Abba seems respectful; neither the governor nor his supporters have publicly disrespected or attacked Madugu.

 Because the palace coup has demoralized RMK’s political survival. Many onlookers view AKY’s anticipated defection as a personal decision, not betrayal, but a calculated step to reclaim autonomy and break free from Kwankwaso’s grip. 
Yet the Kwankwasiyya movement will face a tough test without state power. With Abba’s exit, the NNPP’s national relevance could suffer, risking diminished influence. Yusuf’s move may trigger new alliances and reshape Kano’s political landscape.

At this critical moment, RMK must understand that when a godfather becomes too sneaky, the godson often fights back. Instead of maintaining control, such behavior sparks resistance and drama. Unethical tactics backfire—they breed retaliation, distrust, and conflict rather than compliance. Yet the governor remains silent, offering no response, whether coded or direct.

In Kano politics, Kwankwaso has been perceived by some as domineering and authoritarian, and he now faces the natural consequences of those actions—something many view as both ironic and unfortunate. Yet, ultimately, only God’s authority endures.

Governor Abba Kabir belongs to every Kanawa and to no one; he is the people’s governor, beyond political affiliation. On the Day of Judgment, he alone will account for his leadership before Almighty Allah, and no one else. What amazes me is how unshaken AKY remains, despite the harsh and unguarded coded words directed at him. He has proven himself a true hero—speaking little, acting much, and getting things done.

LET US NOT FORGET, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is calling for peace, unity, and an end to political hostility in Kano State. He was hurt and surprised when Dr. Kwankwaso labeled him an “enemy,” yet he insists he does not see Kwankwaso as a foe and believes their past disputes should already be behind them. The ongoing political battles only damage Kano, so Ganduje urges Kwankwaso and other leaders to lower tensions, stay calm, and focus on development rather than rivalry. He added that the time has come to unite the people of Kano for the state’s progress, emphasizing that reconciliation and cooperation among political leaders are essential for the benefit of all citizens.

Dukawa can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com