Breathe, Abba, Breathe.

Breathe, Abba, Breathe.

By Abba Dukawa

Prioritizing personal loyalty over institutions poses a growing risk – it can weaken systems and erode accountability. When loyalty trumps institutional checks and balances, due process is often overlooked, creating power imbalances that pave the way for abuse and corruption.Protecting the public interest from political “godfathers” is essential, as leader will ultimately be held accountable for their actions by Allah. When a “godson’s” loyalty to such figures conflicts with their faith or moral values, it can result in profound inner turmoil.

Across many belief , allegiance to a higher power must take precedence over personal, political, or patronage-based loyalties. Only Allah grants power to whom He wills and withdraws it from whom He wills. Only Allah will decide anyone’s fate in the 2027 election, and power is not in the hands of any human being. It’s believed that ultimate power and control rest with a higher authority, bringing comfort and perspective, especially in uncertain times in worldly affairs. Allah’s decree has already been recorded ,let no one deceive anyone who thinks they have the power to change anyone’s fate,

As the Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak well or remain silent’ .Controlling speech can avoid harm to followers and opponents alike. Right now, Kwankwasiya’s leader and supporters needs to exercise restraint they non-stop talking reveals anxiety about losing grip on power over the governor and administration. While Governor Abba stays silent, Kwankwaso’s voice is getting louder, a sign of unease. They should guard their tongue.

The unexpected fallout has caught many by surprise, with political battle lines now clearly drawn. Unless a major compromise is reached, both leaders may soon become openly critical of one another. In a dramatic twist, their four-decade-long relationship—strengthened by loyal collaboration in service and marital ties—has become strained, as personal ambition and political survival put their bond to the test.

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has fallen out with his mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. At the heart of the crisis lies the godfather’s expectation of unquestioned loyalty, rooted in the belief that the godson’s political rise and survival are owed entirely to him. Opposing this is the godson’s growing insistence on autonomy, driven by the conviction that he must chart his own course not out of disrespect.”

The looming defection has reopened old rivalries in Kano politics between RMK, Ganduje, and Abba. RMK’s move has revived long-standing debates about the volatility of godfather-godson relationships and reshaped political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections. Governor Yusuf’s decision is ‘irreversible,’ even if it leads to a complete rupture with Kwankwaso.”

Political analysts argue that the crisis was inevitable – with competing ambitions at play, they say, a rupture was only a matter of time. In Kano, however, the rift has come as a shock, given the tightly knit nature of the Kwankwasiyya Movement that swept Yusuf to power.

“Insiders within the two camps reveal that Kwankwaso’s inner circle has grown uneasy with Yusuf’s visible achievements, fearing he may outshine their leader’s legacy. This anxiety, combined with internal disputes and litigations within the NNPP, is believed to have triggered the fallout. ‘They don’t want him to continue,’ a source said. ‘Even if he stays, Kwankwaso’s camp will not give him the ticket. They’re allegedly pushing for the deputy governor instead.'”

As Yusuf asserted himself in governance, Kwankwaso reportedly felt his influence waning. Others suggest the Kwankwasiyya leader assumed he’d retain control, having played a key role in early appointments. Sources close to both maintain the feud is driven by political survival instincts rather than personal grievances. Some analysts believe Kwankwaso’s disappointment stems from Yusuf’s growing independence – he had expected unwavering loyalty..

“Loyalists accuse him of betraying Kwankwaso, rather than acknowledging his restraint in choosing not to publicly recount his unpleasant experiences under the total control of the Kwankwasiyya national leader. Based on that the Governor of Kano State now faces ridicule and insults on social media over his alleged plans to defect from the Kwankwasiyya camp.”

There is need before Kwankwasiyya loyalists rush to crucify Abba Yusuf, they should reflect on the proper place of words such as “nemesis” and “karma” within the political trajectory of their mentor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (RMK). Only then can they honestly confront the central question: in politics, is it truly a betrayal to betray a betrayer?

In political reality, what is often labeled “betrayal” is simply a godson breaking free from the grip of a godfather—a legitimate quest for autonomy. The signs are unmistakable. The moment has arrived for the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement to step aside gracefully and preserve his dignity before events overtake him.

As developments continue to unfold, this period will likely be remembered as the point at which Kwankwaso’s politics entered a new and irreversible phase. Ironically, while Kwankwasiyya ideologues frame the struggle as disloyalty, others rightly view it as a justified pursuit of political independence.

From a rational political standpoint, the situation reflects an intense struggle for supremacy—an unmistakable effort by the Governor of Kano State to wrest control of the political throne from the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

All indications suggest that Governor Abba Yusuf’s maneuver is aimed at consolidating authority and freeing himself from total subordination to Kwankwaso’s dominance. Whatever path the Kano State governor ultimately chooses, his actions portray him as a leader asserting courage at a defining moment.

Before the recent events, Kwankwasiyya members considered AKY weak, but to their utmost shock, he presents himself not as a villain, but as a political actor determined to chart his own course. What’s unfolding in Kano resembles a political Game of Thrones a contest defined by survival, adaptation, and power..

The governor has maintained a low profile, refraining from issuing joint statements with Kwankwaso or Kwankwasiyya, while the Kwankwasiyya leader has held tense meetings with associates and NNPP members across the state, delivering pointed remarks. Recent recurring phrases from Kwankwaso’s speeches further. With recent recurring phrases from Kwankwaso’s speeches further reveal his state of mind: A ci daɗi lafiya (“Eat well”), Butulawa (“Betrayal”), Mutane masu daraja (“People of honor”), ’Yan amana (“Trusted ones”), and Tsallaka titi (“Crossing over”).

Since news of Abba Yusuf’s defection broke, the body language of government officials suggests that the shift is already underway it is only a matter of time. Let Kwankwaso heed the fleeting nature of time—it comes and goes. Embracing this reality means adapting to its flow, for nothing certain except God’s power. Defying the tide risks erasing him from Kano’s narrative . Perhaps he should learn from silence and perseverance, like Yarima Bakura, who stepped away with dignity. If Abba continues as a puppet, it’ll tarnish his own reputation. But if he breathes, takes control, and charts his own course, it might actually boost his credibility – and possibly salvage some of RMK’s legacy in the process

Dukawa write it from Kano can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com
Dukawa now, what is my benefit or loss

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So now, what benefit will I gain from this discussion? Whether Abba did the right thing or not, that is for himself. What I know is one thing: Allah has commanded that trusts should be returned to their rightful owners. If he does not do so, that is his concern. As for Kwankwaso, we have been commanded to be just to one another and among ourselves; if he does not do so, that is his concern. Me I don’t have any business with them.