Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared that former APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje cannot issue him instructions, insisting he is now the leader of the party in Kano State.
The governor made the remark while addressing supporters amid reactions to his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Yusuf said his decision was driven by internal crises within the NNPP and denied betraying the Kwankwasiyya movement.
“I want to reaffirm that in breaking away from our former movement, we did not commit any wrongdoing. We raised concerns about the state of affairs in the party because we foresaw the crisis. We offered advice, but it was dismissed.
“By the grace of God, we acted early. If we had not taken that step, millions of people in Kano would have been affected. Today, there is calm, and the truth is clear for all to see.
“Today, they accuse us of betrayal. But were Kwankwasiyya members informed before some decided to dump the NNPP? Isn’t that also betrayal?”
Challenging critics, he added: “They say Abba has followed Ganduje to hand over what was entrusted to him. The question is: who is the leader of APC in Kano Today?” — to which supporters responded, “Abba is the leader!”
“Is that betrayal or progress? Abba, who was alone in NNPP, is now among over 31 governors. Is that backwardness or progress?”
He maintained that while he respects Ganduje, he cannot be controlled by him.
“What exists between me and Ganduje is mutual respect. But he cannot give me instructions because I am the leader,” Yusuf said.