By Ozumi Abdul
Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has described January 23 as a “Day of Betrayal” in reaction to the resignation of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the party.
Kwankwaso made the remark shortly after the governor formally ended his membership of the NNPP, a move widely seen as a prelude to his anticipated defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
VERITY NEWS gathered that Governor Yusuf tendered his resignation on Friday, putting an end to weeks of speculation surrounding his political future and further widening cracks within the influential Kwankwasiyya political movement.
Addressing supporters in Kano, Kwankwaso said the date should be etched into history as a reminder of broken trust and political disloyalty.
“As the leader of this movement, I hereby declare January 23 as Betrayal Day,” Kwankwaso said.
“This date should be permanently recorded so that the world never forgets the consequences of betrayal and the violation of trust.”
He disclosed that he had personally reached out to Governor Yusuf in a last-minute effort to dissuade him from leaving the NNPP, stressing that the electoral victory that brought the governor to office was achieved through collective sacrifice and loyalty to the party.
According to Kwankwaso, transferring such a mandate to another political platform amounts to a disservice to party members, volunteers, and supporters who laboured to secure the NNPP’s success in Kano State.
The governor’s exit has intensified political recalculations in the state, with reports indicating that several lawmakers and key political figures are also weighing their next moves.
Political analysts say Yusuf’s resignation represents a significant turning point in Kano politics, given his long-standing ties with Kwankwaso and his emergence through the Kwankwasiyya political structure.
Governor Yusuf Responds
In a press statement obtained by VERITY NEWS, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf dismissed claims of betrayal, insisting that his decision was guided solely by the interest of Kano State and its people.
The governor said his resignation from the NNPP followed extensive consultations and deep reflection on the political direction needed to ensure stability, development, and effective governance in the state.
He maintained that while he holds Kwankwaso in high regard, leadership sometimes requires making difficult choices, adding that his decision should not be interpreted as a personal attack or act of disloyalty.
Governor Yusuf assured supporters that his commitment to the development of Kano State remains unwavering, regardless of party affiliation, and urged residents to remain calm as the political process unfolds.
The unfolding rift has continued to generate mixed reactions across Kano, with supporters on both sides expressing sharply divided opinions about the future of the state’s political leadership and the fate of the Kwankwasiyya movement.