Ganduje, others were my boys — Kwankwaso fires back at gov Yusuf

Kwankwasiyya leader and chieftain of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has responded to comments made by Abba Kabir Yusuf over claims that the governor was once his political protégé.

In a recent interview with Trust TV, Kwankwaso described the governor as “Abba PA,” insisting that he helped elevate him politically from a modest background to the position of governor.

Reacting to the remarks, Governor Yusuf criticised Kwankwaso, saying it was disrespectful for the 69-year-old politician to refer to him as a “boy” despite the fact that he is 63 years old.

However, while addressing supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano on Wednesday, Kwankwaso defended his comments, arguing that several politicians who rose through his political structure were once regarded as his boys politically.

“I heard that some people said they dislike being called boys. If not for insolence, how could Mai Gidan Ruwa or Aminu Goro say they were not my boys politically? How could even Ganduje deny that he was once my boy?” Kwankwaso said.

The former Kano State governor also referenced Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who served as his deputy for two terms, saying he too could not deny his political relationship with him.

Governor Yusuf’s reaction marked his first public criticism of Kwankwaso since both politicians parted ways earlier this year.

The governor also warned that his silence over repeated comments from Kwankwaso should not be interpreted as fear. He urged the former governor to be cautious with his statements, hinting that he could reveal more details if provoked further.

Since Yusuf’s departure from Kwankwaso’s political camp, the former governor has repeatedly accused him of betrayal after winning office on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) before later defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).