Kwankwaso and I Fell Out Over Empowerment Programmes, Growing Popularity — Senator Hanga
Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, who represents Kano Central Senatorial District, has opened up on the circumstances that led to the breakdown of his relationship with former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Speaking during an interview with Dan’uwa Rano TV, Hanga revealed that disagreements began to emerge following his constituency empowerment programmes, which he said attracted widespread attention and recognition from the public.
According to the senator, tensions escalated after he organized a large-scale empowerment event where numerous items were distributed to constituents. The programme reportedly featured the distribution of vehicles, bags of rice, fertilizer, grinding machines, livestock, and other support materials aimed at improving the welfare of beneficiaries across Kano Central.
Hanga explained that the event was held at a venue associated with Kwankwaso and that the former governor had initially agreed to attend and witness the distribution exercise. He noted that preparations for the programme took considerable effort, with vehicles, livestock, and other materials transported to the venue over a period of more than a day.
However, the senator claimed that Kwankwaso appeared displeased upon arriving at the venue. According to him, the former governor requested a break for prayers but did not return afterward, leaving the programme to continue without his presence.
Despite Kwankwaso’s absence, the event went ahead and was attended by several prominent political figures, including former Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, Nasiru Gawuna, Wada Sagagi, Batayya, and members of the National Assembly.
Hanga alleged that the former governor later confronted him over the programme, expressing concerns about the level of public praise and recognition it generated.
According to the senator, Kwankwaso questioned why the empowerment materials were distributed directly by him rather than being handed over for redistribution.
Recalling the conversation, Hanga quoted Kwankwaso as saying: “You gave me 50 bags of rice, 50 bags of fertilizer and three cows. Am I hungry, or do I not have them? That is why I refused to come back after prayers.”
The lawmaker said he subsequently apologized in an effort to resolve the misunderstanding and maintain their political relationship. Nevertheless, he noted that the disagreement appeared to reflect deeper issues that had been developing over time.
Hanga further claimed that before the fallout, individuals linked to Kwankwaso had approached him with requests concerning beneficiaries of his empowerment programmes. He cited an instance involving a request for a vehicle intended for a resident of Shanono Local Government Area, which falls outside Kano Central Senatorial District.
Despite the beneficiary being outside his constituency, Hanga said he approved the request after being informed that the individual had lost a vehicle during a political campaign involving Kwankwaso.
The senator stated that the incident made him realize that the mutual respect that once defined their relationship was gradually eroding.
He further alleged that Kwankwaso became uncomfortable with the growing scale of his empowerment initiatives and the increasing public attention surrounding his performance as a senator.
Hanga also linked the dispute to his inability to secure a return ticket, suggesting that the strained relationship played a role in shaping his political future.
While acknowledging Kwankwaso’s status as the “Jagora” (leader) of the Kwankwasiyya movement, the senator maintained that the former governor’s dissatisfaction with his activities ultimately affected his political prospects and marked the beginning of their fallout.
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