The Delusion of “Hannun Dasawa”: A Response to Senator Kwankwaso’s Political Fantasy
By Zainab Yahaya Tudun Wada, PhD
The Kano Intellectual Forum has watched with a mix of amusement and concern the recent statements attributed to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. His introduction of the slogan “Hannun dasawa, hannun cirewa” suggesting that the same hand that installed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will be the one to remove him in 2027 is not only a display of grandiosity but a clear signal that Kwankwaso is struggling to come to terms with the shifting tectonic plates of Kano politics.
Kwankwaso must be reminded that power belongs to the Almighty, and through Him, to the people. To suggest that a single individual “installs and removes” at will is an affront to the democratic process and the collective will of the Kano electorate. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s strategic move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not a “betrayal”, it is a calculated exercise of his fundamental right of association, aimed at aligning Kano State with the center to ensure maximum development for the people.
The Senator’s recent attempt to assert dominance by opening a “Loyalty Register” at his Miller Road residence has exposed the hollowing out of his movement. What was intended to be a show of force has instead become a public embarrassment.
Out of the numerous representatives in the State and National Assemblies, a dismal three members from each have bothered to sign. Only one Senator has appended his signature, proving that even those closest to the leadership realize the wind has changed direction.
While Senator Kwankwaso remains preoccupied with signatures and slogans, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has systematically and legitimately consolidated his leadership. It is now an undeniable reality that:
– The Governor effectively controls the party leadership from the Ward to the Local Government and State levels.
– All 44 Local Government Council Chairmen stand firmly with the Governor, signaling a total collapse of the old Kwankwasiyya command structure.
Senator Kwankwaso should note that the battle he is attempting to provoke is one he cannot win. As a new and formidable leader within the APC, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf now enjoys the total, unwavering support of the APC machinery in Kano.
Let it be known: we will rally around the Governor with every resource available. The Governor is at full liberty to deploy both state and federal synergy to ensure that Kano remains on the path of progress, away from the cult of personality that has hindered our political evolution for too long.
We advise Senator Kwankwaso to resign himself to the reality on the ground. To continue this path is to invite ultimate political shame. The “hand” of the people has moved forward; it is time for the Senator to let go.
Zainab Yahaya Tudun Wada, PhD is the
Chairperson, Kano Intellectual Forum