Kano Governor’s Second Wife, Daughter of Rabiu Kwankwaso, Seeks Dissolution of Their 20-Year Marriage
Zainab Musa Kwankwaso, the second wife of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reportedly filed for divorce at the Upper Area Court in Gudu, Abuja, offering to refund the dowry paid by the governor during their marriage.
According to reports, Zainab, a daughter of former Kano State Governor and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, instituted the divorce proceedings in a suit marked CV/97/26.
The court has reportedly summoned Governor Yusuf to appear on November 17, 2026, in connection with the matter.
Zainab and Governor Yusuf got married on July 29, 2006, and their marriage produced six children.
In her court filing, Zainab reportedly cited a breakdown of the marriage, stating that the relationship had been characterised by a lack of mutual love, care and affection.
She also indicated that attempts to reconcile the marriage had failed and expressed concerns that remaining in the union could affect her ability to fulfil her religious obligations.
The petitioner is seeking dissolution through Khul’i, an Islamic divorce procedure initiated by a wife, which typically involves returning the dowry or offering agreed compensation to the husband.
The development comes amid the reported political disagreement between Governor Yusuf and his father-in-law, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The disagreement reportedly intensified following Governor Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), under which he was elected in 2023, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reports also indicate that Zainab left the Kano Government House on October 28 before relocating to her father’s residence and subsequently travelling to Abuja.
As of the time of filing this report, Governor Yusuf had not publicly responded to the reported divorce proceedings.
