The second wife of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, Zainab Musa Kwankwaso, has approached an Abuja court seeking to dissolve their 20-year marriage, offering to refund the dowry paid by the governor.
Zainab, daughter of former Kano State Governor and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, filed for divorce through khul’i, an Islamic procedure that allows a woman to seek separation from her husband, usually in exchange for compensation or the return of her dowry.
A civil summons obtained by DAILY NIGERIAN directed Yusuf to appear before the Upper Area Court sitting in Gudu, Abuja, on November 17, 2026.
Cites Irretrievable Breakdown
In her particulars of claim, Zainab described the marriage as having suffered an irretrievable breakdown, alleging a persistent absence of reciprocal care, love, affection and emotional connection.
She also told the court that she had lost her love and affection for the Kano governor and developed a deep-seated aversion to the marriage.
According to the court documents, she expressed concern that remaining in the union could make it difficult for her to observe the limits prescribed by Allah regarding a wife’s obligations.
She further stated that efforts to reconcile the couple and restore harmony had failed, adding that the governor’s heart had completely turned away from the marriage.
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The couple married on July 29, 2006, and have six children.
Divorce Move Follows Reported Marital Crisis
The divorce proceedings come amid reports of a prolonged marital crisis, against the backdrop of the political fallout between Yusuf and his former political godfather and father-in-law, Kwankwaso.
The report said the governor and the former senator fell out about a year ago, with sources suggesting that the disagreement may have further strained their marriage.
It also reported that Zainab left the Kano Government House for her father’s residence on Miller Road, Kano, on October 28, before travelling to Abuja without her police orderly and other security escorts.
The development reportedly led to the questioning of security operatives assigned to her quarters and personnel attached to Kwankwaso’s residence. They were later released by the Kano State Police Command.
Her elder sister and brother, Ado Kwankwaso, were also reportedly invited by the police over allegations that they assisted her departure.
The governor is expected to appear before the court on November 17.
