Kwankwaso’s niece files to divorce Kano Governor – Report

Zainab Musa Kwankwaso, the second wife of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reportedly initiated a divorce proceeding at an Upper Area Court in Abuja, proposing to return the dowry received during their marriage. The court case, identified as CV/97/26, was filed by the daughter of former Kano State Governor and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The matter has been set for a hearing on November 17, 2026, with Governor Yusuf required to attend. Zainab and Yusuf were wed on July 29, 2006, with Zainab serving as an aide to her father at the time. They have six children together. This news arrives amidst a political conflict between Governor Yusuf and his former political mentor and father-in-law, Kwankwaso.

Yusuf's election as governor, facilitated by Kwankwaso's political backing, was initially successful. However, his subsequent defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has reportedly strained their relationship. Reports suggest that tensions within their marriage have also escalated due to the political disagreement, which has been ongoing for nearly a year.

Zainab reportedly vacated the Kano Government House on October 28, moving to her father's residence on Miller Road in Kano, and subsequently traveled to Abuja by air without her police orderly or other security personnel. The filing of the divorce petition represents another development in the deteriorating relationship between Governor Yusuf and his father-in-law, a situation fueled by their significant political differences.