By Erewunmi Peace

Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has claimed that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s chances of securing re-election were effectively lost the moment former governor Abdullahi Ganduje publicly raised his hand in support of him.

Kwankwaso made the statement while reacting to recent political developments in Kano State, particularly Governor Yusuf’s alignment with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Ganduje.

According to Kwankwaso, Ganduje remains a deeply controversial political figure in Kano, and any public association with him could negatively affect electoral support among voters. He argued that Ganduje’s endorsement was politically damaging and sent the wrong signal to the electorate.

“The moment Ganduje raised his hand, that was the end,” Kwankwaso was quoted as saying, insisting that the move weakened Yusuf’s standing ahead of the next governorship election.

The comments come amid growing political tension in Kano, following Governor Yusuf’s recent defection from the NNPP to the APC — a move that has reshaped the state’s political landscape and intensified rivalry ahead of the 2027 elections.

As of the time of filing this report, Governor Yusuf and the Kano State Government have not officially responded to Kwankwaso’s remarks.

It is important to note that Kwankwaso’s statement reflects a political opinion, and the next Kano governorship election has not yet been conducted.