Abba Kabir Yusuf has pushed back against criticisms following his switch from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the All Progressives Congress, insisting that his decision was necessary and does not amount to betrayal.
Speaking during a meeting with loyalists, the governor explained that his exit from the NNPP was prompted by internal disagreements and unresolved issues within the party. He maintained that he had earlier raised concerns about the situation but his warnings were ignored.
“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?”
Responding to claims that he had aligned himself under the influence of Abdullahi Ganduje, Yusuf dismissed the suggestion and questioned who truly leads the APC structure in Kano State.
“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, drawing chants of “Abba is the leader!” from supporters.
“Is that betrayal or progress? Abba, who was alone in NNPP, is now among over 31 governors. Is that backwardness or progress?”
The governor added that while he respects Ganduje, their relationship does not place him under the former chairman’s control.
“What exists between me and Ganduje is mutual respect. But he cannot give me instructions because I am the leader,” he said.
