Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, the House of Representatives member for Dala Federal Constituency, has accused Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of straining his relationship with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over controversies surrounding a drugs contract and a state-funded scholarship scheme.
Madakin-Gini, a former ally of Kwankwaso—leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the Kwankwasiyya Movement—recently announced his departure from the movement, highlighting the growing divisions within the NNPP in Kano. While still a member of the NNPP, he has shifted allegiance to a rival faction, prompting his ward executives to suspend him.
In a video message to supporters, Madakin-Gini criticized Kwankwaso’s demand for absolute loyalty, stating, “What the leader of Kwankwasiyya wants is total obedience… He seeks to see who is most loyal to him.”
He outlined several grievances against Governor Yusuf, including his handling of investigations into drug contracts, which Kwankwaso reportedly views as more severe than actions taken by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The drug contract controversy previously resulted in the detention of Kwankwaso’s nephew by the state’s Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.
Madakin-Gini also pointed to Kwankwaso’s dissatisfaction with Governor Yusuf’s decision to investigate discrepancies in a scholarship program, revealing that only 400 beneficiaries were sponsored instead of the 1,001 initially approved.
Additionally, he expressed frustration over Yusuf’s refusal to dismiss Baffa Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government, and Muhammad Diggol, the Commissioner for Transport, both of whom allegedly supported Yusuf’s autonomy from Kwankwaso’s influence.
“Abba was brought in as a puppet,” Madakin-Gini claimed, suggesting that Governor Yusuf’s actions have not met the expectations of Kwankwaso’s faction.
Attempts to reach Kwankwaso for comment were unsuccessful, while Governor Yusuf’s spokesperson was also unavailable. However, the governor is expected to address these issues in an upcoming local radio broadcast.
