Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has opened the door to reconciliation with his successor, Governor Abba Yusuf, despite their lingering political differences.
Kwankwaso said he still has affection for Yusuf and would be willing to reconcile with him if the governor chooses to return to his camp.
The former governor made the remarks in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service published on Sunday, while speaking about his relationship with Yusuf and his approach to political disagreements.
Yusuf, who emerged governor of Kano State in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party, was previously a strong supporter of the Kwankwasiyya political movement.
However, their relationship deteriorated after Yusuf defected to the All Progressives Congress, where he aligned with former Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, one of Kwankwaso’s major political rivals in the state.
Despite the political fallout, Kwankwaso said he had not abandoned Yusuf and remained open to reconciliation.
“I didn’t abandon him, didn’t ask him to go or dismiss him, I still like him,” he said.
Kwankwaso also described himself as a forgiving person, saying he had forgiven people who had offended him in the past.
He cited his relationship with Ganduje as an example, recalling several disagreements between them over the years.
“How many times did I have issues with Ganduje? He challenged me on several occasions.
“In 2007, when we were in the Ministry of Defence, he was my special assistant, but they held meetings to bring me down because I contested them,” he said.
Kwankwaso added that despite their disagreements, he had supported Ganduje politically at a point.
“Despite the misgivings, I put Ganduje forward and supported him, but he failed,” he stated.
The NDC leader said political relationships required patience, tolerance and understanding, stressing that people should not be expected to always share the same views or approach.
“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,” Kwankwaso said.
He added that differences in age, background, education and personal reasoning could shape people’s political decisions.
Kwankwaso further maintained that he did not dictate to political associates or compel them to follow his directives, stressing that he remained actively involved in politics.
He also said endorsements and political tickets associated with him were not offered in exchange for money.
“We don’t ask for a dime from each of them to get our endorsement and tickets; we don’t sell our candidature,” Kwankwaso said.
