The second wife of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Zainab Musa Kwankwaso, has filed for divorce at an Upper Area Court in Gudu, Abuja, offering to refund the dowry paid by the governor.
Zainab, daughter of former Kano State Governor and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is seeking to dissolve the marriage through Khul’i, an Islamic divorce procedure that allows a woman to initiate separation by returning her dowry or offering compensation.
According to court documents, the court has summoned Governor Yusuf to appear on November 17, 2026, to respond to the suit.
In her application, Zainab cited a breakdown of the marriage, alleging a persistent lack of love, care, affection and emotional connection between them.
She reportedly told the court that efforts to reconcile the marriage had failed, adding that she was willing to refund the dowry paid by the governor on their wedding day to secure the dissolution of the union.
Zainab married Yusuf on July 29, 2006, and their marriage produced six children.
Her decision to seek divorce comes after 20 years of marriage, with the court expected to hear the matter following the governor’s scheduled appearance.
The development comes weeks after Zainab reportedly moved out of the Kano Government House to her father’s residence before subsequently travelling to Abuja.
Although the divorce has not been granted, the case has drawn attention because of the prominent political families involved and the length of the marriage.
