‘Ganduje Can’t Give Me Instructions, I am APC Leader in Kano’ – Gov Yusuf Boasts

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared that former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, cannot dictate to him on political matters in Kano State.

The governor insisted that he now leads the party in the state following his recent defection.

Yusuf made the statement while addressing his supporters amid growing reactions trailing his move from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC.

The defection has stirred debates across the state, especially among loyalists of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

Speaking at the gathering, the governor defended his decision to leave the NNPP. He said the move was not an act of betrayal, but a necessary step taken after observing deep cracks within the party.

“I want to reaffirm that in breaking away from our former movement, we did not commit any wrongdoing. We raised concerns about the state of affairs in the party because we foresaw the crisis. We offered advice, but it was dismissed,” he said.

The governor explained that his early decision helped to prevent a larger political crisis in Kano.

According to him, the situation could have affected millions of residents if urgent action was not taken.

“By the grace of God, we acted early. If we had not taken that step, millions of people in Kano would have been affected. Today, there is calm, and the truth is clear for all to see,” he added.

Yusuf also responded to critics accusing him of abandoning the Kwankwasiyya Movement. He questioned the sincerity of such claims, pointing out that some members had earlier taken similar decisions without consultation.

“Today, they accuse us of betrayal. But were Kwankwasiyya members informed before some decided to dump the NNPP? Isn’t that also betrayal?” he asked.

The governor further addressed claims that he had aligned himself under Ganduje’s influence after joining the APC. He dismissed such suggestions and instead asserted his authority within the party structure in Kano.

“They say Abba has followed Ganduje to hand over what was entrusted to him. The question is: who is the leader of APC in Kano Today?” he asked, drawing loud responses from supporters who chanted his name.

“Is that betrayal or progress? Abba, who was alone in NNPP, is now among over 31 governors. Is that backwardness or progress?” he continued.

Yusuf maintained that although he respects Ganduje as a political figure, their relationship does not place him under any form of control. He made it clear that leadership in Kano APC rests with him.

“What exists between me and Ganduje is mutual respect. But he cannot give me instructions because I am the leader,” Yusuf said.