Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje, convened a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Wednesday to address escalating political challenges within the state’s ruling APC chapter. The discussions focused on curbing party defections, resolving the ongoing emirship dispute, and determining a successor for the vacant deputy governorship position.
The meeting followed a prior audience between Mr. Ganduje and President Bola Tinubu, during which the former governor highlighted concerns over insufficient presidential consultation on Kano political matters. President Tinubu reportedly proposed a ministerial appointment for Nasiru Gawuna, the party’s former governorship candidate, to help ease tensions. According to sources, Mr. Ganduje indicated the proposal arrived after Mr. Gawuna had already crossed to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
During the overnight session at Mr. Ganduje’s Asokoro residence, the former governor advised Governor Yusuf to appoint Murtala Garo as deputy governor to restore internal party cohesion. Mr. Ganduje also reiterated his backing of Aminu Bayero in the contested Kano chieftaincy succession, which involves competing claims from Bayero and the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. Both figures emphasized the need for a swift resolution to prevent the traditional dispute from destabilizing electoral preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Yusuf arrived at the venue around 1:00 a.m. alongside his son Al-Amin and political adviser Mohammed Jamu. They were later joined by federal lawmaker Abubakar Bichi, with proceedings coordinated by Mr. Ganduje’s protocol team and former presidential aide Nasiru Ja’oji. The talks concluded at approximately 2:40 a.m. In response to the proposals on his desk, Mr. Yusuf indicated that broader consultations with party stakeholders were necessary before making final administrative decisions.
The private dialogue was held in compliance with President Tinubu’s directive for both leaders to reconcile on critical state matters. The outcome of these negotiations is expected to shape party alignment in northern Nigeria and influence administrative restructuring in Kano State ahead of the next electoral cycle. Further developments regarding the deputy governorship nomination and traditional throne settlement are anticipated in the coming weeks.
