Rabiu Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has offered Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf “warm wishes” on his 63rd birthday, praying for him to receive “clarity of purpose”.
Thus comes at a time reports suggest the governor may be considering a move to the All Progressives Congress.
In his message on Tuesday, January 6, Kwankwaso looked back on what he described as their long political journey together, highlighting Yusuf’s past roles under his leadership and his contributions to Kano’s development programmes.
“I reflect on the many years of our shared political journey, during which he served in various important capacities — first as my Personal Assistant in my first term and as Minister, and then as Principal Private Assistant, and later as Commissioner during my second tenure, and now as Governor — through which he contributed to the vision and programmes we pursued for the development of Kano State,” the statement reads.
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“I pray that this new year grants him wisdom, good health, and clarity of purpose.”
Kwankwaso’s prayer comes amid heightened political speculation around Yusuf, who is the only governor elected on the NNPP platform, and whose alleged planned defection to the ruling APC has stirred fresh tensions within the Kwankwasiyya political movement.
Reports have suggested Yusuf could defect with or without Kwankwaso’s endorsement, a scenario that would mark a major rupture in the NNPP’s power structure in Kano.
Kwankwaso has also been quoted in recent weeks as saying he would only consider switching to another political camp if he is guaranteed either a presidential or vice‑presidential ticket.