Rabiu Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), says he remains open to reconciling with Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf despite their strained political relationship.
Kwankwaso made the remarks in an interview with BBC Hausa Service published on Sunday, reflecting on his relationship with the governor, who was elected in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Yusuf was previously a strong supporter of the Kwankwasiyya movement associated with Kwankwaso. Their relationship later deteriorated after Yusuf defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and aligned with former Kano governor and Kwankwaso’s longtime political rival, Abdullahi Ganduje.
Kwankwaso said he still has affection for Yusuf and would welcome him back.
“I didn’t abandon him, didn’t ask him to go or dismiss him, I still like him,” he said.
He described himself as a forgiving person, citing his past relationship with Ganduje as an example.
“How many times did I have issues with Ganduje? He challenged me on several occasions,” Kwankwaso said.
He recalled that Ganduje served as his special assistant at the Ministry of Defence in 2007 but later opposed him politically.
“In spite of the misgivings, I put Ganduje forward and supported him but he failed.”
Kwankwaso said political leadership required patience, tolerance and compassion, stressing that people should not be expected to think or behave in the same way.
“I’m not God. So, if Yusuf or whoever wishes to come, you need to have patience, have a large heart and compassion because not all will play along your line,” he said.
“You don’t expect everybody to act, behave or think like you do, because everyone has his way of reasoning, age, background and educational qualifications.
“So, if I’m not forgiving, we will not put Ganduje forward; the situation is the same with Yusuf.”
Kwankwaso also rejected claims that politicians are required to pay for his endorsement or political tickets.
“We don’t ask for a dime from each of them to get our endorsement and tickets; we don’t sell our candidature.”
