Gwarzo, Yusuf Trade Fresh Jabs as Political Feud Escalates
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — The simmering political rift between Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his former deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, took a fresh turn on Thursday as both men traded barbs in separate public appearances.
Governor Yusuf, while speaking at a public function in Kano on Wednesday, took an apparent swipe at Gwarzo, accusing his former deputy of talking excessively and making comments outside the context of issues.
Although he did not mention Gwarzo by name, the remarks were widely interpreted as being directed at the former deputy governor.
Less than 24 hours later, Gwarzo appeared to respond during an engagement with supporters, dismissing what he described as politics driven by theatrics and publicity.
In Hausa, he declared: “Rangwada ba ta gwanati, mutum ya tsaya a namiji maimakon ɗan content,” a statement loosely translated as: “Politics is not about creating drama; one should stand firm like a man instead of chasing content.”
While Gwarzo also stopped short of mentioning the governor by name, his remarks was a direct response to Yusuf’s criticism, further fuelling speculation over the widening gulf between the two former allies.
The latest exchange adds to months of strained relations between the pair, whose political partnership began to unravel after Gwarzo’s departure from office as deputy governor.
Since then, both camps have made comments interpreted as subtle attacks on each other, although neither has openly declared an irreconcilable split.
Gwarzo, who is now the NDC gubernatorial candidate has in recent months become increasingly critical of developments within Kano’s political landscape.
His public interventions have frequently drawn reactions from supporters of the governor.
Neither the Kano State Government nor Gwarzo’s camp issued an official statement on the latest exchange as of the time of filing this report.
However, the renewed war of words is expected to intensify political debate ahead of the build-up to the 2027 general elections, where political alignments and rivalries in Kano are already beginning to take shape.
