As Governor Yusuf Dump Kwankwasiyya for a “Kano First” Doctrine: The Intrigues, The “Political Power Play”
By Abdullahi Yusuf with reports from Salisu Ibrahim, Mohammed Kabir Ya’u, Abbas Ibrahim,Mustapha Muhammad and Kabiru Fulatan.
In Kano, Tongues are already wagging as to what prompted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to defect from NNPP to APC, leaving behind his political mentor of over 40 years, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
Checks Naija reports that while the Governor has over the years aligned himself with the Kwankwasiyya Movement, basically christened under the name of Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso with the traditional Kwankwasiyya stance that thrived on being a radical alternative to the ruling national party, yet he has defected to the ruling party to curve a niche for himself politically.
The “Kano First” agenda, however, was unveiled following Governor Yusuf’s high-profile defection from the NNPP (Kwankwasiyya movement) to the APC. Since then, the Governor has been explaining to the public that his movement to the APC was for the good of Kano State, to reposition the State through “Kano First” agenda, as a way to define his leadership style and to “re-align Kano with the national direction’, arguing that, loyalty should belong to the state, nor to a “political godfather”.
While the current development persists, the Kwankwasiyya Movement which is inseparable from the person of Kwankwaso — requiring absolute loyalty to his directives, is of the view that the Governor’s action is to promote his personal agenda, rather than to promote development.
The question now on the lips of Kano People is, “does the transition of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from NNPP to APC represents a “fight for autonomy,” or a tool to exit the shadow of his mentor and define his own legacy?.
Checks Naija Team report that for the Kwankwasiyya movement, the defection is seen as a “personal political agenda”, and a classical betrayal designed to secure a second term by trading the movement’s radical identity, which the governor had enjoyed over the years.
Spokesperson of Kwankwasiyya Movement, Dr. Habibu Saleh Mailemo told journalists that the Governor’s action has a repercussion and at a particular time, the thousands of people who worked for the movement and are now out of the engagement would react and deliver their verdict through democratic means.
On the other hand however, the “Kano First” Agenda is seen by the governor, as a governance philosophy introduced by his administration to advance Kano State, politically and economically while aligning the State with the National politics, marking a shift from personality-driven politics to a people-centered doctrine, hence, to justify his action, Governor Abba has variously said that “Kano First” agenda would be focused on urgency, institutional reform, and economic revival, a shift that was meant to focus on restoring Kano as a commercial hub through infrastructure renewal and fiscal discipline.
Over time, societies, nations, organizations, groups including political parties, and governments have been adopting ideas, values systems and beliefs to guide their actions in governance and other human endeavours.
Such ideas or beliefs usually transform to become ideologies, philosophies or agendas that are disseminated to the people through various means including the mass media, social and political interactions, with the sole aim of achieving growth and development in the society.
The Kano First Agenda, championed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and presented by the State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, is one of such philosophies.
“The guiding philosophy of this government, “Kano First,” is not a slogan crafted for applause; it is a governance doctrine and a firm commitment rooted in urgency, reform, and responsible leadership.
“Its central message is simple, yet profound: Kano’s progress cannot be delayed by hesitation, sabotage, indecision, or the continued prioritization of political comfort and convenience.
“Progressive, visionary, and patriotic citizens who align with this new direction will move forward. Those who resist or hesitate to join this course risk being left behind,” Comrade Waiya warned.
He further explained that the “Kano First” Agenda is a governance ideology and a clear commitment of the Kano State Government, and that it represents a deliberate shift from personality driven politics to people-centered governance.
That the phiosophy places Kano’s economic development, social stability, and institutional strength above partisan interests, elite entitlement, and political allegiances driven by emotional blackmail.
The commissioner also stated that under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, governance is increasingly defined by what benefits Kano and its people immediately and sustainably rather than what satisfies entrenched interests.
“This ideology challenges the old culture where political actors enjoyed power without responsibility and influence without productivity,” he said.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has, himself, at various fora, been explaining the adoption of the Kano First Agenda, especially after his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) which drew scatching criticisms particularly from deciples of the Kwankwasiyya Political Movement to which he formerly belonged, and his former political party, the New Nigeria People’s Party(NNPP).
The critics submitted that the Governor dumped NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya fold in pursuit of his own Personal Political Agenda, rather than the generality of the interest of Kano and its people.
Others argued that the launching of the Agenda barely one year to the 2027 general elections should be seen as a calculated move by the Governor to galvanize support for his planned re-election bid. However, the Governor had emphatically stated that the launching of the initiative was aimed at achieving unity, peace, progress, stability and development of the state, and not for any personal gains.
He further explained he had always put the interest of the people of the state first, in whatever decision, moves or direction he took. “We put Kano first in whatever decision we took or will take, because we believe that this administration is people-oriented, hence its policies and programmes must serve the people’s interest,” he said.
The Commissioner of Information amplified the Governor’s explanations by arguing that Kano’s economy had suffered years of decline due to neglect, noting that the present administration is returning the state “to strategic economic thinking, not cosmetic interventions.”
The key pillars of the new economic direction, he said, include repositioning Kano as a commercial and industrial hub through infrastructure revival, trade facilitation, strategic partnerships, and renewed public confidence in institutions.
Comrade Waiya said the government is supporting small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), recognizing that economic growth in Kano must be broad-based, not class-driven.
“Ongoing infrastructure development especially in transport and urban renewal is aimed at reconnecting Kano to national, regional, and international markets.
“Fiscal discipline also remains a priority, ensuring prudent management of scarce resources and directing them to critical projects with tangible impact on the lives of citizens.
“The message of this administration is unmistakable: Economic and political transformation will not wait for political consensus. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf believes that action should precede applause,” he further stated.
According to him, the Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration has disrupted a long standing contradiction in Kano politics of being in government while acting in opposition.
“The “Kano First” doctrine demands clarity:You cannot sabotage the government and still enjoy the privileges of power. You cannot undermine public confidence and claim loyalty to Kano. These principles have redefined political engagement in the state, he said.
“Governance is no longer a safe space for ambiguity. Political actors are now compelled to choose between responsibility and self-serving interests,” he added.
The Commissioner said that under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, there is a growing insistence that public office is a duty, not a reward, that authority must align with accountability; and that governance outcomes matter more than political noise. “This shift may be uncomfortable for those accustomed to a system where loyalty was negotiable and performance optional. Yet, that discomfort signals genuine reform.
“Kano’s challenges – youth unemployment, urban pressure, insecurity, and economic competition are time sensitive. Delayed decisions translate into lost opportunities. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership reflects a clear understanding that history does not pause for political indecision.
“Kano First shall wait for no one” means reforms will continue despite resistance from a few anti-development elements within and outside the state. The future of Kano is non-negotiable.
“This new wave of economic and political transformation is both a test of character for Kano’s political class and a statement of hope for its citizens. It asks a simple question: Are you for Kano’s future, or for your comfort?
“As the administration presses forward, one reality is clear: Kano is moving. Posterity will record those who supported this critical movement and those who chose to stand still.
“The “Kano First” agenda is not waiting for approval; it is already in motion,” Comrade Waiya added.
Indeed, the Kano First Agenda is an ambitious Initiative as it departs from the old order where leadership was all about the whims and caprices of the leader, and focuses on the interests, yearnings and aspirations of the people and the State.
“Kano First” as a strong political message as explained by authorities might have its own credibility depending on clear policies and consistent implementation based on public interest as enshrined by the new direction. However, at the inception of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, the demolition spree on infrastructures, allegedly erected by the then APC administration, which led to various court cases, might raise moral questions, particularly with the sudden defection of the governor to APC, making the ‘Agenda’ to be caught in between past documented events and political realities. Hence, for the doctrine to succeed, the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration must rally the support and buy in of all stakeholders, especially as the State and the country at large, transit from the 4th republic to the 5th republic, come 2027.