An Open Letter to Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and His Excellency, the Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline on January 25, 2026.
I seize this opportunity to draw attention and offer a sincere reminder, but first, I extend my warm greetings filled with respect and prayers to you both. May Almighty Allah continue to grant you strength and wisdom in the enormous responsibility of leadership, especially in guiding the people of Kano State.
I consider it necessary to write this open letter as a bonafide indigene of Kano State and as a journalist, particularly considering how Allah has placed us within the fold of Islam and the Muslim Ummah. I constantly reflect on societal development, nation-building, and the unfolding political events in Kano State.
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Of particular concern is the recent misunderstanding between His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf and his long-time political leader and mentor, Engr. Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Sadly, this situation continues to push our youths toward unhealthy paths, especially through the exchange of harsh and provocative statements by supporters on both sides.
With all due respect, some recent utterances attributed to Engr. Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso are deeply unfortunate and unbefitting of his status, experience, and the immense intellectual and moral capital Allah has bestowed upon him.
As a leader with millions of loyal followers—particularly young people who emulate his words and actions—every statement made carries weight. When emotions rise, wisdom should prevail.
Leadership, especially at an advanced age and level of experience, comes with enormous trials. Among them are patience, endurance, restraint, tolerance, persuasion, and sometimes deliberate silence.
These are challenges that Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso must consciously bear. This is not the first time such political disagreements have occurred in his long journey. History reminds us of his past political crises and disagreements with close allies such as Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Alhaji Musa Gwadabe, and others. These episodes were painful, politically costly, and emotionally draining. If today he describes similar situations as betrayal or ingratitude, then it is only fair to remember that political disagreements are reciprocal in nature—no leader is entirely exempt from them.
At nearly seventy years of age, Engr. Kwankwaso has seen almost everything leadership has to offer—struggles, loyalty, opposition, favors given and favors received. Not every expectation in leadership is fulfilled, and insistence on having one’s way at all times often leads to greater complications. It is widely acknowledged that Engr. Kwankwaso has built an enduring political structure and empowered countless young men and women. For this, the people of Kano remain grateful. However, turning such immense political capital into public exchanges of sarcasm and accusations against a political son like Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf calls for deep self-reflection.
In families, even biological children sometimes disagree with their parents; how much more in politics?
Political differences are inevitable, but not all disagreements belong in the public space. Considering the decades-long relationship, shared struggles, family ties, and mutual sacrifices between Engr. Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, restraint would best serve the public interest.
Political disagreements cannot permanently separate both men; their bond runs far deeper than transient political interests.
We must also recall the political crisis between Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, which left Kano State deeply divided.
That conflict resulted in humiliation, destruction of trust, economic losses, social fragmentation, and divisions across religion, politics, commerce, and kinship. Rekindling another major political confrontation—this time with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf—will not yield any positive outcome for Kano State.
Economically, such crises drain enormous public and private resources. Kano State does not need another cycle of political instability. We must all exercise caution for the sake of peace and development.
It is important to emphasize that Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf have shared nearly forty years of close political association, trust, cooperation, and mutual goodwill—much of which only Allah fully knows. Allowing abusive statements against one’s in-law, political son, and long-time ally—sometimes even in one’s presence—without firm intervention contradicts the values of leadership and mentorship.
Likewise, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf must not tolerate insults or public abuse directed at his leader and benefactor in his presence. Patience and restraint are virtues required of both sides, for today’s actions shape tomorrow’s consequences.
Politics is fundamentally about choice, opinion, and interest. There are no permanent friends or permanent enemies—only permanent interests. Differences in political interest should not translate into hostility, especially given that similar political disagreements have occurred between fathers and sons in Nigeria and beyond.
Many observers testify to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s extraordinary loyalty to Engr. Kwankwaso—arguably more than even some biological children show their parents. This loyalty has been public, consistent, and visible over the years. Engr. Kwankwaso is therefore urged to soften his language, restrain his utterances, and preserve the dignity Allah has granted him.
Great leader, never allow the magnitude of your followers to convince you that you are infallible. Leadership is not free from mistakes. Just as others err, so have you erred in the past, particularly in public office. It is unfair to amplify another person’s perceived mistakes as though error began with them. History bears witness that no administration is without fault.
It would be shameful and tragic for Kano State to become a permanent theatre of political conflict. Continued escalation will only deepen hatred, division, and instability. Remember that many Nigerians still hold you in high esteem; reckless handling of this issue may erode that respect. As someone with national leadership aspirations, your focus should be on uniting allies across Nigeria and articulating clear strategies for national development—not engaging in prolonged local disputes.
There are allegations that you are undermining the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration. If that is the perception, then stepping back and allowing him to demonstrate his competence—as you once affirmed—will silence critics more effectively than confrontation.
Declaring January 23rd as a global day of “betrayal and ingratitude” is widely seen as excessive and beneath your stature. The issues in question are common in political history—including within your own career. Rather than labeling them as betrayal, it would be wiser to describe them as differences in understanding. This would reduce anger and de-escalate tensions among supporters.
In conclusion, I humbly appeal to both Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf to embrace silence, wisdom, and firm control of their supporters. Leaders are accountable before Allah for the consequences of words and actions. If youths are incited and laws are broken, or if blood is shed, accountability will follow.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is also advised to govern with humility and caution, remembering that power ultimately belongs to Allah alone.
Yours sincerely,
Hon. Bala Salihu
Dawakin Kudu
📞 08060017934
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 25TH 2026)
