'Don't Push Me Too Far'–Gov Yusuf confronts Kwankwaso over attacks

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Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has openly confronted his estranged political mentor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, warning him to stop what he described as repeated attacks and interference in his administration, declaring that his silence should not be mistaken for fear.

The governor spoke on Monday in Rano during the formal endorsement of Senator Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila as the senatorial candidate of the for Kano South.

Yusuf said his administration had deliberately maintained silence in order to preserve peace in the state despite mounting criticisms from Kwankwaso and his allies following their political fallout earlier this year.

According to him, the government would be compelled to respond publicly if the attacks continued.

“We have chosen peace in Kano above everything else, but if the situation persists, we will speak out,” the governor said. “Remaining silent does not mean we are afraid.”

In an apparent reference to recent remarks credited to Kwankwaso, Yusuf questioned why an older political associate would repeatedly refer to him dismissively despite their long-standing relationship.

He argued that his decision not to react aggressively was based on respect and maturity rather than intimidation.

The governor further cautioned those attacking him to desist, warning that continued provocation could force him to disclose sensitive details about their political relationship.

The comments marked Yusuf’s most direct public criticism yet of the former governor since both men parted ways politically months ago, ending years of close alliance within the Kwankwasiyya movement.

The rift between the two political figures has continued to widen following Yusuf’s reported exit from the movement founded by Kwankwaso.

Recently, Kwankwaso, speaking during an interview with Trust TV, accused Yusuf of making a grave political mistake by distancing himself from the Kwankwasiyya structure. He also claimed the movement played a decisive role in Yusuf’s rise to political prominence and eventual emergence as governor.

The growing tension between the two influential Kano politicians has fuelled speculation over possible political realignments ahead of future elections in the state.