Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Kano State governor, has warned Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf that he must relinquish the governorship if he intends to defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Addressing supporters in Kano amid rising political tensions, Kwankwaso described the pressure on Governor Yusuf to leave the NNPP as troubling, stressing that the governor remains the movement’s only remaining executive hold in the state.

“If you have 30 governors, why must you take Kano State governor? Is he yours? He is the only one left for us in the Government House,” Kwankwaso said. “Those instigating him to go should tell him to drop the governorship for us and go, since the governorship is not meant for only one person.”

Kwankwaso likened the unfolding political situation in Kano to a “nightmare,” urging all parties fuelling the crisis to reconsider their actions in the interest of the state. He said he had made several behind-the-scenes efforts to halt what he described as a dangerous political trajectory, stressing that the NNPP-led government still had time to deliver dividends of democracy.

He criticised calls for a defection to what he termed “Gandujiyya,” associated with former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, and warned that internal conflicts and social media attacks were self-destructive.

“The line has drawn itself in Kano State. It is a war between light and darkness, and the people of Kano have since understood that,” Kwankwaso said, adding that many loyal party supporters were already suffering emotional and physical stress due to the crisis.

Despite the challenges, Kwankwaso defended the party’s dominance in Kano, insisting that the NNPP remained the state’s leading political force. He also signalled openness to alliances, but stressed that such arrangements must respect the movement’s core principles.

Kwankwaso further warned the APC not to underestimate Kano State despite controlling most other states, emphasizing that any underestimation could backfire.

“This is not the time to fight among ourselves. It is time to see how we can move forward,” he concluded, urging unity and patience among party members.