Tension Grows Within Kano State Government as Kwankwaso allegedly Orders Governor Yusuf to Sack SSG Baffa Bichi
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu
On October 16, 2024
The political atmosphere in Kano State has become increasingly tense following reports that the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) 2023 Presidential candidate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, allegedly directed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to sack the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi. This development has sparked speculation that all is not well between Kwankwaso and Bichi, as the former presidential candidate reportedly believes Bichi’s influence is undermining his authority within the government.
Sources close to the matter revealed to; Democracy Newsline, that Kwankwaso is uneasy about the growing influence of Bichi, who is seen as a vital figure keeping Governor Yusuf somewhat independent of Kwankwaso’s control. Kwankwaso is said to have expressed concerns about recent financial scandals linked to the government, including questionable deals related to local government medical supplies and a scholarship fund scandal amounting to N1.5 billion. While there is no direct evidence implicating Kwankwaso in these scandals, many of those involved are reportedly his loyalists.
Investigation by Democracy Newsline allegedly report that Kwankwaso’s frustration is reportedly heightened by his belief that Bichi is working against him, using his position to expose the alleged misconduct of Kwankwaso’s associates within the administration. The tension escalated when a group called “Tsaya da Kafafuwanka” (“Stand Your Ground”) emerged, advocating for Governor Yusuf to assert his authority and distance himself from Kwankwaso’s influence. This movement is believed to have originated from Bichi’s office, further straining the relationship between the two political heavyweights.
Despite the efforts of Governor Yusuf to mediate the situation—reportedly reconciling Bichi with NNPP stakeholders in his constituency—the crisis deepened when the NNPP, under the chairmanship of Kwankwaso loyalist Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa, suspended both Bichi and the Commissioner for Transport, Muhammad Diggol, for alleged disloyalty and disrespect towards the party’s leadership.
Democracy Newsline contacted, Dungurawa, explained that the suspension followed multiple complaints from party officials at the ward and local government levels, accusing the two officials of undermining the party’s authority. He added that the decision was necessary to protect the party’s leadership structure.
However, the timing of this suspension, coming just after Governor Yusuf’s reconciliation efforts, has raised eyebrows. It underscores the deepening divide between Kwankwaso and the governor, with some observers claiming that Kwankwaso is effectively “ruling by proxy” and curbing the governor’s autonomy. A growing faction within the NNPP and opposition circles is calling for Governor Yusuf to break free from Kwankwaso’s influence and fully exercise his powers as the state’s chief executive.
Democracy Newsline allegedly report that, Governor Yusuf, who recently left the state for Abuja amid the ongoing crisis, has not commented publicly on the situation. Meanwhile, Kwankwaso has refused to address the matter directly, directing inquiries to the party leadership.
As the internal strife continues to play out, the future of the NNPP in Kano remains uncertain. With defections from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) already underway and legal disputes among party members on the horizon, the NNPP faces the risk of further fragmentation. The question now is whether the party can overcome these challenges or if the escalating power struggle will lead to its collapse in Kano.
