Abba Yusuf, the current governor of Kano State, and his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje, continue their political feud with a new development as a Kano State High Court confirmed Ganduje’s suspension as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC. The court issued an ex parte order affirming the suspension and prohibiting Ganduje from representing himself as the National Chairman or a party member. Furthermore, Ganduje was directed to refrain from overseeing the affairs of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the APC.
This order came in response to an ex parte motion filed by Dr. Ibrahim Sa’ad Esq on behalf of two executive members of APC Ganduje ward, Dawakin-Tofa local government area, namely Laminu Sani, the assistant secretary, and Haladu Gwanjo, the legal adviser. These executives, among nine ward members, suspended Ganduje following corruption allegations made against him by the Kano State government, which prompted a petition by Ja’afaru Adamu from the National Chairman’s polling unit.
Ganduje’s suspension announcement was attributed to his alleged “gross misconduct and misappropriation of public funds during his administration in Kano.” The ward leaders cited the need for Ganduje to address the corruption allegations to uphold the party’s reputation, especially regarding President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption stance.
Following the suspension, the Kano State Working Committee of the APC intervened, declaring the ward’s action as illegal and suspending the Ward Executives involved. The APC national headquarters in Abuja also reiterated Ganduje as the party’s National Chairman, denouncing the suspension as a “criminal” act prompted by malicious intent.
Despite these rebuttals, a recent court order upholding Ganduje’s suspension may alter the party’s stance. Ganduje, attributing the suspension to a ploy to diminish Tinubu’s support in Kano ahead of the 2027 election, expressed his belief that the orchestrators were aligned with the New Nigeria People’s Party and Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano.
Kano-based legal practitioner Wangida Isa suggested Ganduje’s resignation until he clears the corruption allegations. Isa dismissed claims of NNPP’s involvement in Ganduje’s suspension, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations against the ex-governor, noting that the court ruled for him to face trial at a federal court.
The anticipated arraignment of Ganduje faced a setback due to the ongoing turmoil in the Kano political landscape.
The inability of the State Government to serve criminal charges against him has created fear and uncertainty in Kano. Court documents reveal that Ganduje, along with his wife, son, and five others, were set to face charges including bribery allegations and misappropriation of funds. The state government claims to have 15 witnesses prepared to testify. Additionally, the Kano State Anti-Corruption and Public Complaints Commission has announced new corruption charges against Ganduje, accusing his administration of diverting large sums of money.
Magaji, the Commission’s Chairman, disclosed that investigations revealed the mishandling of significant funds during Ganduje’s tenure. Allegations include funds being diverted to unauthorized individuals and misappropriated for purposes other than what was declared. Despite being appointed by Ganduje, Magaji stated that he is committed to prosecuting corruption cases.
The former governor, Ganduje, faced allegations of corruption in the past, including a video showing him allegedly receiving kickbacks. He has refuted the recent charges, claiming only specific authorities have the right to prosecute him.
In another development, Salihu Lukman, a former APC official, urged party leaders to address the rift between Ganduje and another former governor, Kwankwaso. The Kano State NNPP Chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, clarified that the State government was not involved in Ganduje’s suspension from the APC. Dungurawa criticized Ganduje’s actions and urged the party to rid itself of such elements to uphold its credibility.
Regarding Ganduje’s claim about the legal rights of the Kano State Government to prosecute him, Dungurawa dismissed it as false, emphasizing the state’s duty to investigate alleged offenses. The Kano State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, could not be reached for comment.