Kano Governor Yusuf Celebrates Kwankwaso's 70th Birthday

Abba Kabir Yusuf, the governor of Kano State, congratulated his estranged political mentor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday. Yusuf expressed his wishes in a statement from his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, highlighting Kwankwaso’s contributions to governance, infrastructure, and democratic participation in Kano State and Nigeria.

He prayed for Kwankwaso's good health and continued contributions to the state's development. This birthday message comes amid a political fallout between the two, following Yusuf's defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in January 2026.

Kwankwaso, who was instrumental in Yusuf's election as governor in 2023 under the NNPP, expressed disappointment over this defection, which has deepened divisions within the Kwankwasiyya political movement. Yusuf's departure represents a significant shift in Kano politics, given his long-standing association with Kwankwaso.