Politics

“You Control 30 States, Yet Kano Is Not Enough” — Kwankwaso Criticises Tinubu

Published by admin on January 5th, 2026.

“You Control 30 States, Yet Kano Is Not Enough” — Kwankwaso Criticises Tinubu

Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over alleged efforts to lure the Kano State governor into the ruling party, describing the move as unnecessary and politically provocative.

Kwankwaso questioned why the APC, which currently controls about 30 states, would seek to take over Kano State, warning that such action would strip his political movement of its only remaining executive foothold. “If you already have 30 governors, why must you come for the Kano governor? He is the only one we have left in Government House,” he said.

He added that those encouraging the governor to defect should be honest enough to advise him to relinquish his mandate before leaving. “If they want him to go, they should tell him to surrender the governorship. The position does not belong to one individual alone,” Kwankwaso stated.

The NNPP leader said he had made several attempts to engage relevant stakeholders since the crisis began, stressing that he had reached out to everyone necessary to warn that the current political direction would not serve the interests of Kano State.

Kwankwaso maintained that the NNPP-led administration still has ample time to deliver meaningful governance, noting that political unity remains critical to achieving tangible development.

According to him, political divisions in Kano have become sharply defined. “The lines are now clear. It is a struggle between light and darkness, and the people of Kano understand what is at stake,” he said.

He lamented the emotional toll the political crisis has taken on supporters, revealing that many party loyalists are distressed, with some reportedly falling ill due to the uncertainty surrounding the government they helped elect.

Dismissing suggestions that the NNPP has lost influence in Kano, Kwankwaso insisted the party remains firmly rooted in the state. He warned political actors in Abuja against underestimating Kano’s political strength.

“Tell them they are playing with Kano. They are underestimating us, and they must tread carefully. Kano deserves respect,” he cautioned.