Any Candidate Proposed by Kwankwaso Will Triumph Over Yusuf – Kwankwasiyya Official

Saddam Sani Umar serves as the welfare officer for the Kwankwasiyya Movement in Kano State. In a recent interview, he shares the agitation within the movement concerning the potential defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Rumors indicate that Governor Yusuf may change parties, leading to significant political shifts. Many believe that such a move would disadvantage the Kwankwasiyya movement and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. What is your perspective?

I reject that notion. Kwankwaso leads this movement not just in Kano but across Nigeria. To assume he would be a loser in this situation overlooks the reality. Regardless of how powerful other political parties might claim to be, they all seek to follow Kwankwaso, who genuinely represents the people's interests.

History shows that disloyalty to Kwankwaso does not yield positive results. For instance, when Ganduje betrayed Kwankwaso, he ultimately faced defeat. In 2019, despite all odds, they lost the election, except for the controversial 'inconclusive' result. By 2023, even without holding any government council positions, Kwankwaso was instrumental in bringing “Abba Gida Gida” to power.

Abba had never previously run for any role, including that of a councilor, in his entire career. He served as Kwankwaso’s personal assistant for over 30 years and was appointed commissioner before ascending to governor. To think Kwankwaso could lose now is shortsighted.

Are you implying that the APC and Governor Yusuf are the true candidates for defeat?

Indeed, that is my stance. They will not succeed in Kano. When elections come, voters will show up in droves to support whoever Kwankwaso endorses. In Kano, should Kwankwaso endorse even a dog, it would still receive votes because of the trust the people have in him as a leader who stands by them.

Governor Yusuf has been a vital member of the movement, overseeing the state's power and resources. How can the movement endure without the control of government?

I do not anticipate that the movement will be impacted. While the opposition might flaunt their financial resources, the people have become wiser. They will utilize those resources to fight back. Many of those currently aligned with the governor are merely waiting to see what they can gain. The real challenge is yet to begin.

This is why Kwankwaso advised that those who have committed time and resources to the movement should not abandon their government roles, even if Abba transitions to the APC. They should maintain their positions as 'strong pillars' on standby, biding their time. They may appear dormant presently, but the moment for action will inevitably come.

Saddam Sani Umar reemphasizes his role as the welfare officer within the Kwankwasiyya Movement, addressing the astonishment among members about the potential party switch by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Regarding your tactics, is the aim to keep loyalists positioned within the government to undermine it from inside?

We are not advocating for open confrontation just yet. Currently, they have not even secured formal approval to switch parties because there is no solid foundation for such a move. The APC isn’t genuinely interested in Governor Yusuf; their focus is on Kwankwaso. This explains the plethora of rumors we hear. They lack direct communication with the Presidential Villa and are simply relaying information from peripheral persons who may mislead them. Ultimately, the outcome will be evident.

For many, the red cap has become a potent symbol of political affiliation. Can the movement remain cohesive in light of this internal discord?

The ideology of the red cap endures. Even if they decide to align with the APC, they won’t dare remove the red cap at this juncture. That would be the most perilous choice they could make. They understand that once they take off that cap, they sacrifice their political security. You cannot convince the people of Kano that you are safe from Kwankwaso’s influence; doing so would be pure self-deception.