Former Kano State governors Ibrahim Shekarau and Abdullahi Ganduje, as well as incumbent Governor Abba Yusuf, have lost their political influence in the state, former governor and NDC vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has claimed.
Kwankwaso made the assertion while speaking on the evolving political landscape in Kano, arguing that political structures built on betrayal and abandonment of loyal allies cannot endure.
The former governor said his more than 25 years in politics had taught him that politicians who turn against their political allies eventually lose relevance and fade into obscurity.
According to him, Ganduje’s political fortunes began to decline after he allegedly abandoned the political structure they jointly built during their years of political partnership.
Kwankwaso and Ganduje, once political allies and key figures in Kano politics, later became fierce rivals, with their disagreement reshaping the state’s political landscape.
Kwankwaso also took aim at Governor Abba Yusuf, accusing him of abandoning individuals who contributed to his emergence as governor.
He argued that political loyalty and appreciation remained critical to sustaining political structures, warning that leaders who disregard those who helped them attain power risk losing their support base.
The former governor’s comments come amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Kano expected to remain one of the country’s major political battlegrounds.
Kwankwaso’s remarks also signal the possibility of a renewed contest for control of the Kano political structure, particularly as opposition parties intensify efforts to build alliances ahead of the next elections.
He maintained that political betrayal ultimately carries consequences, insisting that the experiences of Shekarau, Ganduje and the current administration should serve as lessons for politicians seeking to build lasting political influence.
The former governor’s assessment is likely to generate further debate within Kano’s political circles, where the competing influence of the Kwankwasiyya movement, the APC and other emerging political alliances continues to shape the state’s political future.