Kano Rift Deepens As Gov Yusuf Warns Kwankwaso Over “Boy” Remarks

The political rift between Abba Kabir Yusuf and his former political mentor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, appears to be deepening following a strong warning issued by the Kano governor over repeated comments allegedly directed at him.

Governor Yusuf, in a viral video circulating online, warned Kwankwaso to stop what he described as disrespectful remarks, saying he may be forced to “open a Pandora’s box” if the situation continues.

“Tell them that they are talking too much, enough is enough. If they don’t stop, I will open my mouth and it will smell like hell,” Yusuf said.

The governor also questioned why Kwankwaso allegedly continues referring to him as a “boy” despite their ages.
“I wonder why a 69-year-old person will continuously be calling a 63-year-old a boy. This is unacceptable,” he added.

The comments are believed to be directed at Kwankwaso, who has repeatedly referred to Yusuf as a “boy” in recent political exchanges following the governor’s reported defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Political observers in Kano say the latest remarks may signal an escalation in the growing power struggle between the two influential figures ahead of the 2027 political season.

Since tensions emerged between both camps, Governor Yusuf had largely avoided publicly attacking Kwankwaso and instead urged supporters to refrain from inflammatory comments on social media.

However, his latest statement is being interpreted in many quarters as a major shift in tone and an indication that the political battle within Kano may become more intense in the coming months.

The situation has continued to generate reactions across Kano’s political landscape, with supporters of both leaders already exchanging words online over the future control of the state’s political structure.