The political gulf between the Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and Kano State Governor, Mallam Abba Kabir Yusuf has deepened as the former’s daughter, Zainab has reportedly filed for divorce at an Upper Area Court in Gudu, Abuja.
Zainab, Kwankwaso’s second wife, is said to be offering to return the dowry paid during her marriage to the governor.
Both Yusuf and his godfather, Kwankwaso, were in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last election cycle with the latter backing Yusuf to be governor.
But last 26 January, the governor defected to the All Progressives (APC) and later got its ticket to run for re-election next February.
Kwankwaso himself left the NNPP for the NDC and emerged the presidential running mate to a former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi.
The court has reportedly summoned Yusuf to appear on 17 November 2026, in connection with the divorce proceedings.
Zainab and Yusuf got married on 29 July 2006, while he served as an aide to her father. Their union produced six children.
Reports indicate that the political disagreement between Kwankwaso and the governor, which began about a year ago, has also contributed to growing tensions within the marriage.
Further reports revealed that Zainab moved out of the Kano State Government House on 28 October and relocated to her father’s residence along Miller Road in Kano.
She subsequently travelled to Abuja by air without her police orderly or other security operatives.
