Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress and the most recent governor of Kano State, has instructed his successor, Governor Aba Yusuf, to concentrate on providing the people with effective government rather than playing political mind games.
In response to a recent request for his arrest by the state government, Ganduje revealed this in a statement released on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu.
The former governor, his wife Hafsat, and six other people are currently facing an 11-count corruption allegation before a Kano High Court; the trial has been postponed until February 3, 2026. This event coincides with increased political unrest in Kano.
The former governor vehemently denied the state government’s accusation that Ganduje had made remarks implying preparations to establish a militia group in the state.
Ibrahim Wayya, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, spoke to reporters following the State Executive Council meeting on Friday, saying,
“The recent inflammatory remarks made by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who claimed that the state is susceptible to banditry and further announced plans to recruit 12,000 people under a proposed religious police outfit named Khairul Nas, were thoroughly discussed by the council.
“The Kano State Government and the President Tinubu-led administration have shown genuine concern for the plight of its citizens and continue to work tirelessly to safeguard their lives and properties across the nation, and the Council noted that the utterances were inciting, reckless, and capable of undermining their security efforts.”
Ganduje’s alleged inciting remarks prompted the authorities to demand his arrest.
Ganduje, however, retaliated against the state government, characterizing the action as a careless and irrational demonstration of “desperation and incompetence.”
He stated that rather than engaging in “political theatrics and unfounded allegations,” Governor Yusuf should “focus on his constitutional duty” of safeguarding citizens.
“It is deeply unfortunate that Governor Yusuf has chosen to chase shadows while searching for scapegoats to conceal his glaring failures, rather than addressing the escalating insecurity ravaging the state,” the statement said.
“The governor has not visited or shown compassion for the victims at a time when communities like Bagwai, Shanono, and Tsanyawa, along with other affected areas, are living in fear.”
“His persistent absence during times when leadership is needed speaks volumes about his disconnection from the people he purports to serve.”
Ganduje emphasized that his eight-year term had garnered him praise for maintaining stability in Kano and stressed that he had never been connected to violence or any actions that could jeopardize the state’s tranquility.
The statement went on, “Leadership is demonstrated through purposeful action, responsibility, and compassion, not through press conferences and issuing frivolous statements aimed at diverting public attention from one’s failures.”
The high-profile corruption case involving the former governor and his wife serves as the setting for the political dispute.
Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu postponed the hearing of all ongoing applications until February 3, 2026, after the prosecution requested further time to address pending motions at Wednesday’s court session.
