Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has vehemently denied corruption allegations leveled against his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, dismissing claims of N2 billion monthly payments as “malicious fabrications.” The governor’s fiery rebuttal came during an address to 484 ward councillors at the Government House on Sunday evening.
The controversy stems from accusations by former Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, who alleged financial misconduct in the current administration and implicated Kwankwaso. Governor Yusuf launched a robust defense of the former governor’s integrity, stating: “Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is not a thief, and the people of Kano are proud of him. You and your allies will not tarnish his name.”
Yusuf questioned Bichi’s credibility, noting his former position in the administration: “I’m surprised by these claims from someone we brought into government and empowered to serve. Today he makes wild allegations about an administration not yet two years old stealing ten times more than the previous government.” The governor challenged Bichi to provide evidence for his claims about local government fund diversions.
The emotional defense highlighted Kwankwaso’s political legacy, referencing his service as two-term governor, minister, senator and presidential candidate. Yusuf particularly rejected the N2 billion monthly payment allegation as absurd, asking: “If such funds went to local governments instead, imagine the good they could do?”
The governor’s remarks come amid growing political tensions in Kano, with observers noting the timing ahead of 2027 elections. Yusuf concluded with a stern warning against disparaging state leaders, even questioning whether the accuser truly represented Kano values: “No true Kano indigene would stoop so low as to insult our leaders with lies.”
This confrontation exposes deepening fractures within Kano’s political establishment, with the Kwankwasiyya movement facing increasing scrutiny since Yusuf assumed office.
