Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared that former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, can’t give him instructions because he is now the leader of the party in the state. Yusuf, who made the remark in response to criticisms trailing his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, to the APC, said contrary to NNPP claim, he did not betray the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
He revealed that his defection followed a brewing internal crisis within the NNPP that other members failed to see.
He was speaking during a meeting with his political supporters. The governor said, "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 maintained that while he has respect for Ganduje, he cannot be dictated to in the affairs of the state.
“What exists between me and Ganduje is mutual respect. But he cannot give me instructions because I am the leader,” Yusuf said.
