A former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, has said that the Kwankwasiyya Movement was formed by him and five other political associates, insisting that its creation did not originate from former governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Abubakar said the group conceived the movement and its red cap symbol at a period when Kwankwaso was facing intense political opposition and was largely sidelined within Kano’s political space.
He stated that he, alongside figures such as Dr Yunusa Adamu Dangwani and Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, came together to coin the Kwankwasiyya identity in order to rally support around Kwankwaso during what he described as a turbulent political moment.
According to him, the group mobilised resources and loyalty to help Kwankwaso withstand pressure from powerful political forces in the state, noting that the movement was born out of necessity and collective sacrifice.
The former deputy governor, however, criticised Kwankwaso for what he described as a failure to recognise the contributions of those who stood by him, adding that such attitude eventually alienated many of his early supporters.
He said the former governor’s approach contrasted sharply with that of the late Aminu Kano, who, he noted, consistently acknowledged the individuals behind the formation of movements such as NEPU, PRP and Sawaba.
Abubakar lamented that Kwankwaso’s perceived sense of political self-sufficiency led to the gradual departure of loyalists who once played key roles in building his political base.
Meanwhile, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has said that his political journey is guided by divine authority rather than loyalty to any individual.
Yusuf, who spoke publicly for the first time after resigning his membership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, made the remarks on Saturday while presenting motorcycles to his social media aides.
He said his emergence as governor in 2023 was made possible by God alone, stressing that discussions about 2027 elections were premature and misplaced.
The governor added that his priority remains the peace, security and development of Kano State, declaring that no individual or political interest is greater than the state.