Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared that former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, cannot dictate political decisions to him, emphasizing his position as the party’s leader in Kano State.
The governor made the statement in response to criticisms surrounding his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the All Progressives Congress. He maintained that his decision did not amount to a betrayal of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
According to Yusuf, the move was necessitated by internal challenges within the former party, noting that early intervention helped prevent wider political instability in the state.
“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.
“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.
“Today, they accuse us of betrayal. But were Kwankwasiyya members informed before some decided to dump the NNPP? Isn’t that also betrayal?
“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 further asked.
The governor stressed that while he maintains a cordial relationship with Ganduje, such respect does not translate into political subordination.
“What exists between me and Ganduje is mutual respect. But he cannot give me instructions because I am the leader,” Yusuf said.
