Hanga Reveals Why Relationship With Kwankwaso Broke Down, Cites Empowerment, Political Tensions

Senator Rufai Sani Hanga has opened up on the events that led to the breakdown of his relationship with former Kano State Governor and Kwankwasiyya leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The Kano Central senator said tensions began to grow after he became more active politically and launched large-scale empowerment programmes for people in his constituency. He claimed Kwankwaso became uncomfortable with the attention generated by the initiatives.

Hanga made the disclosure during an interview with Dan’uwa Rano TV, recalling an empowerment event where he distributed vehicles, rice, fertiliser, grinding machines, livestock and other items to beneficiaries. He said the programme was held at a venue associated with Kwankwaso after the former governor had agreed to attend.

According to Hanga, the venue was packed with cars, bags of rice, fertiliser, livestock and other materials, with the process of moving the items there taking about one and a half days. He said Kwankwaso appeared unhappy when he arrived and later asked those present to pause for prayers before leaving the venue.

The senator said Kwankwaso never returned after the prayers, while the event continued in the presence of political figures including former Kano Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, Wada Sagagi, Batayya, Nasiru Gawuna and some National Assembly members.

Hanga claimed Kwankwaso later confronted him about the event, suggesting that the senator had organised the programme because people were praising his performance. Hanga quoted the former governor as questioning why the items were not brought to him for distribution, adding that he did not need the materials himself.

The senator said he apologised and promised to resolve the disagreement. He also alleged that Kwankwaso had previously approached him through associates to request assistance for individuals outside his senatorial district. Hanga specifically recalled being asked through Sunusi Surajo Kwankwaso to provide a vehicle for a person from Shanono after the individual’s vehicle was damaged during a political campaign.

Hanga said he eventually provided the vehicle but felt the incident marked a change in the respect between him and Kwankwaso. He further alleged that the former governor became uncomfortable with the scale of his empowerment projects and growing popularity, adding that their deteriorating relationship affected his attempt to secure another Senate ticket. He described Kwankwaso as the “Jagora”, or leader, of the political movement.