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2027: Tinubu will surprise the naysayers in north – Ganduje

Immediate-past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has predicted a shocker for those thinking that northern Nigeria won’t vote for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

He said they would be making “a big mistake” as the region would overwhelmingly deliver the area for the president.

The immediate-past governor of Kano State also declared that “there is no better candidate to govern Nigeria beyond 2027 from Southern Nigeria than Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

He made these declarations yesterday in Abuja when a delegation of the Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders (NNYLF) from the 19 states of the north, paid him a courtesy visit to decorate him as the patron of the forum.

Ganduje, who is now the board chairman of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), said the country is lucky to have Tinubu, who is a real politician as the President.

He said: “Pertaining to the next election in 2027, those that are nursing or thinking otherwise that the North will vote another candidate other than Asiwaju are making a big mistake.

“This is the first time Nigeria as a nation is lucky to have a politician as president. His constituency is politics. His upbringing is politics because he believes in the unity of this country. In fact, he struggled. He was even in exile for democracy to survive in Nigeria.

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“So there is no better person to be elected in 2027 than Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Ganduje revealed that there was an agreement even before the election of the late President Muhammadu Buhari that after eight years of his government, a southerner would emerge.

“Asiwaju has only been there for less than four years now, and we have seen the reforms that he undertook. The reforms that he introduced in order to improve the social economic development of this country.”

Highlighting some of the bold reforms of Tinubu’s administration, the former Kano governor said: “All the candidates who contested with him in 2023 promised to remove fuel subsidy, even the previous government promised to remove the subsidy but nobody was bold enough to do that job but Asiwaju has succeeded in removing the subsidy and now all the state governors, irrespective of their political leaning, they believe they are getting more and more funds for the development of their respective states.

“He did not say that he removed subsidy because he wanted to improve the APC governors, but he did it for the nation. So, this president has undertaken measures that will improve the economy of this country,” Ganduje said.

Assuring leaders of NNYLF of his support, Ganduje commended them for their boldness not only to mobilise votes for the re-election of Asiwaju but also to raise money to purchase his nomination forms.

“There’s no better commitment than this, you are contributing funds, you are also contributing your brain, you are contributing your energy and you are contributing your time to ensure the re-election of Asiwaju, I have to thank you for this.”

National leader of NNYLF, Muhammad Gamji, who described Ganduje as a role model, added that as a governor, Ganduje made him one of the most popular youth leaders through his support.

“We are here to tell you that wherever you focus, that’s where we go with you. We have all agreed to support the re-election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu by massively mobilising all the youths in the 19 northern states and raising funds by his nomination form ahead of the election.

“We have to do this because some people are insinuating that the North will not vote for Asiwaju in 2027, but that’s a lie because nobody has supported us in the North like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,”Gamji declared.

January 31, 2026
2027: North will back Tinubu’s re-election, Ganduje declares

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has expressed confidence that Northern Nigeria will strongly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Ganduje said those assuming the region would not vote for Tinubu are mistaken, adding that the North is poised to deliver overwhelming support for the president.

The immediate past governor of Kano State also stated that he sees no better candidate from Southern Nigeria to lead the country beyond 2027 than Tinubu.

He made the remarks on Friday in Abuja while receiving a delegation of the Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Forum (NNYLF), representing the 19 northern states, who paid him a courtesy visit and decorated him as the Forum’s patron.

Ganduje, who currently serves as Board Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), described Tinubu as a seasoned politician and said Nigeria is fortunate to have him as president.

He said, “Pertaining to the next election in 2027, those that are nursing or thinking otherwise that the North will vote another candidate other than Asiwaju are making a big mistake.

“This is the first time Nigeria as a nation is lucky to have a politician as president. His constituency is politics. His upbringing is politics because he believes in the unity of this country. In fact, he struggled. He was even in exile for democracy to survive in Nigeria.

“So there is no better person to be elected in 2027 than Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Read Also: Tinubu loyalist Darazo warns against political schemes threatening democracy

Ganduje revealed that there was an agreement even before the election of the late President Muhammadu Buhari that after eight years of his government, a Southern would emerge.

“Asiwaju has only been there for less than four years now, and we have seen the measures the reforms that he undertook. The reforms that he introduced in order to improve the social economic development of this country.”

Highlighting some of the bold reforms of Tinubu’s administration, the former Kano governor said, “All the candidates who contested with him in 2023 promised to remove fuel subsidy, even the previous government promised to remove the subsidy but nobody was bold enough to do that job but Asiwaju has succeeded in removing the subsidy and now all the state Governors, irrespective of their political leaning, they believe they are getting more and more funds for the development of their respective states.

“He did not say that he removed subsidy because he wanted to improve the APC governors, but he did it for the nation. So, this president has undertaken measures that will improve the economy of this country,” Ganduje said.

Assuring leaders of NNYLF of his support, Ganduje commended them for their boldness not only to mobilise votes for the re-election of Asiwaju but also to raise money to purchase his nomination forms.

“There’s no better commitment than this, you are contributing funds, you are also contributing your brain, you are contributing your energy and you are contributing your time to ensure the re-election of Asiwaju, I have to thank you for this.”

National Leader of NNYLF, Muhammad Gamji, who described Ganduje as a role model, added that as a governor, Ganduje made him one of the most popular youth leader through his support.

“We are here to tell you that wherever you focus, that’s where we go with you. We have all agreed to support the re-election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu by massively mobilizing all the youths in the 19 Northern states and raising funds by his nomination form ahead of the election.

“We have to do this because some people are insinuating that the North will not vote for Asiwaju in 2027, but that’s a lie because nobody has supported us in the North like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,”Gamji declared.

The Forum used the opportunity to decorate Ganduje as the Grand Patron of the Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Forum.

January 30, 2026
Ganduje launches 30 electric vehicles to operate as airport shuttles

The Governing Board Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Abdullahi Ganduje has launched 30 electric vehicles at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to ease transportation.

The vehicles, which would be operated as airport shuttles, comprises 10 electric shuttle buses and 20 electric saloon vehicles for airport operations.

The vehicles would be used to support airside and landside logistics, staff movement and services, and strengthen passenger coordination and efficiency across the airport.

Speaking during the commissioning of the vehicles in Abuja on Thursday, Ganduje said: “Electric vehicles offer clear operational and environmental benefits. They are cleaner, quieter and more energy-efficient, significantly reducing carbon emissions and helping FAAN minimise its ecological footprint. Their use will contribute to healthier airport environments and a more comfortable work and travel experience.

“From a logistics standpoint, electric vehicles also enhance monitoring, coordination and compliance. Their predictable performance and lower maintenance demands improve operational planning, accountability and service reliability. Ultimately, this translates into more efficient, transparent and passenger-friendly services.

“This initiative directly supports global sustainability targets, including International Civil Aviation Organisation’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By embracing electric mobility, FAAN is positioning Nigerian airports to remain competitive, responsible and future-ready.”

Ganduje pledged the commitment of the board to ensure that the initiative is utilised, maintained, and expanded to other airports in the country.

Read Also: Tinubu felicitates Ganduje at 76, Adesegun at 70, Bagudu at 64, Ashiru at 62

The Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku disclosed that the Agency has secured approval to deploy 100 electric vehicles to operate as airport shuttles at Lagos and Abuja airports.

She said: “We have secured approval to deploy 100 Electric Vehicles (EVs) to operate as airport shuttles at both Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. It is a monumental step towards greening our operations and reducing our carbon footprint.

“Today, we proudly begin this journey with the first phase: the launch of these 10 state-of-the-art electric shuttle buses. They represent more than just transport; they symbolise cleaner air, quieter terminals, and a commitment to pioneering sustainable infrastructure in Nigerian aviation”.

She expressed optimism that the initiative would be replicated across all airports in the country.

The Head of Fleet Operations of Possible EVS, Abimbola Gyer while stating that the transport fare would be subsidised for passengers, added that operations would commence from 7am to 7pm daily.

“We partner with NEV Electric, the manufacturer of the electric buses. We would be moving passengers from the airport to the city centre at the rate of N10,000 and as demand continues, we will expand our hub. The operations will start from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m daily”.

January 29, 2026
BREAKING: Ganduje invites Yusuf, as APC warms up to welcome Kano Gov

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano state, under the leadership of the immediate past national chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has invited Governor Abba Yusuf, urging him to feel free and join the ruling party.

The state APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, disclosed this in a statement in Kano on Tuesday.

Governor Yusuf’s planned defection to the APC has divided the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), on whose umbrella the governor was elected.

The NNPP national leader and the governor’s benefactor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, does not want the governor to join the APC.

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Speaking on behalf of Ganduje, the state APC chairman (Abbas) described Yusuf’s planned defection to APC as a move guided by unity, reconciliation, and in the collective interest of Kano State.

Abbas stressed that the call for Governor Yusuf to join the APC aims to build a more united and prosperous Kano State.

“The APC is ready to receive Governor Abba Yusuf with open arms so that, together, we can combine our strengths for the progress of the state,” Abbas said.

Upon his formal entry, Governor Yusuf and other NNPP stalwarts would be received into the APC under Dr. Ganduje’s leadership, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and collective responsibility, Abbas said.

December 30, 2025
Ganduje, Barau clash with Kano gov over arrest call

• Yusuf politicising security issues – Deputy Senate President

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin have berated Kano state government for calling for the immediate arrest of the immediate past governor of the state (Ganduje) over alleged inflammatory remarks “capable of undermining” the state’s security efforts.

Ganduje in a statement yesterday described the call for his arrest as baseless, reckless and a clear reflection of the incumbent governor’s desperation and incompetence.

In a separate statement yesterday, Jibrin, took a swipe at Governor Abba Yusuf, urging him to tackle the insecurity in the state instead of politicising it.

The state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Wayya, had after the state executive council meeting on Friday, told journalists that cabinet members discussed Ganduje’s alleged provocative statement on the vulnerability of the state to banditry.

“Council deliberated extensively over the recent inflammatory statements made by a former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who alleged that the state is vulnerable to banditry and further announced plans to recruit 12,000 individuals under a proposed religious police outfit named Khairul Nas,” the commissioner said.

“Council noted that the utterances were inciting, reckless, and capable of undermining the security efforts of the Kano state government and the President Tinubu-led administration, which demonstrated genuine concern for the plight of its citizens and had continued to work tirelessly to safeguard their lives and properties across the nation.”

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The commissioner said in less than 48 hours after the statements, suspected bandits infiltrated some border communities in the state, raising concerns that the remarks might have been premeditated or linked to the assault.

He said the council reaffirmed its appreciation of the federal government and security agencies for their ongoing support in the fight against the insecurity.

Wayya called for the immediate investigation and arrest of the former governor for attempting to create an illegal militia group.

He urged public figures to avoid statements that could incite unrest, assuring citizens of the state government’s commitment to maintaining peace, law, and order across the state.

Reacting to the call for his arrest, Ganduje, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu,

noted that such an unfounded declaration by the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf amounts to an abdication of responsibility by a leader who has consistently failed to secure the lives and property of the people of Kano State.

“It is deeply unfortunate that rather than addressing the escalating insecurity ravaging the state, Governor Yusuf has chosen to chase shadows while searching for scapegoats to conceal his glaring failures.

“At a time when communities such as Bagwai, Shanono, and Tsanyawa, and other affected areas are living in fear, the governor has neither visited nor shown empathy toward the victims.

“His continued absence in moments that require leadership speaks volumes of his disconnect from the people he claims to serve,” he said.

The statement added that Ganduje has never been associated with violence nor linked to any act that undermines the peace and stability of Kano State.

The statement also stressed that as governor, Ganduje ensured the state remained secure for eight years, earning national commendation for maintaining peace and safeguarding lives and property, stating that his record stands in stark contrast to the current administration’s ineptitude and lack of direction.

Ganduje called on Governor Yusuf to focus on his constitutional duty of protecting Kano residents, through purposeful actions, “instead of engaging in political theatrics and unfounded allegations.”

Speaking in the same vein, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, said, besides security challenges, there were numerous other problems bedevilling Kano State that require the governor ‘s serious attention.

Barau, in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, challenged the state government to produce the clip in which he made a statement that tends to aggravate insecurity in Kano.

“The attention of the media office of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, is drawn to false, reckless and malicious claims by the Kano State Government through the State Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, that the Deputy President of the Senate, made a statement capable of undermining the security efforts in the state.

“It is unfortunate that the state government has relegated governance to this low by concocting and fabricating lies to tarnish the growing reputation of the Deputy President of the Senate.

“There was no time when Senator Barau uttered any statement capable of undermining security efforts; instead, he has been at the forefront, collaborating with all stakeholders to address the insecurity challenges in Kano and other areas of the country.

“We challenge them to produce the clip in which Barau made any statement that could undermine security efforts,” he said.

Barau, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged the Kano State Governor to “wake up from slumber and take charge of the affairs of the state” to return Kano to the path of prosperity.

He added: “Until governance was relegated to the background, our beloved state, Kano, used to be second to Lagos in terms of prosperity, but unfortunately, misgovernance has eroded that.

“We have everything necessary to restore the glorious days of our state, but the governor is not taking steps in that direction.

November 30, 2025
Ganduje slams Kano govt’s call for his arrest as baseless, reckless

Former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has dismissed as baseless and reckless the recent call by the Kano state government for his arrest over alleged comments linked to the formation of a militia group.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, in Abuja, Ganduje described the move as a reflection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s desperation and incompetence.

The immediate past governor of Kano State said the allegation amounted to an abdication of responsibility by an administration that has repeatedly failed to secure the lives and property of residents.

“It is deeply unfortunate that rather than addressing the escalating insecurity ravaging the state, Governor Yusuf has chosen to chase shadows while searching for scapegoats to conceal his glaring failures,” he said.

Ganduje lamented that communities such as Bagwai, Shanono, Tsanyawa and others were living in fear, yet the governor had neither visited the affected areas nor shown empathy to victims.

“His continued absence in moments that require leadership speaks volumes of his disconnect from the people he claims to serve,” he added.

The Chairman of the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) stressed that he had never been associated with violence or any act capable of undermining peace in Kano.

He recalled that during his eight-year tenure as governor, Kano remained secure, earning national commendation for maintaining peace and protecting lives and property—an achievement he said stands in sharp contrast to the current administration’s “ineptitude and lack of direction.”

The statement urged Governor Yusuf to focus on his constitutional duty of safeguarding residents instead of engaging in political theatrics and unfounded allegations.

Ganduje added that true leadership is demonstrated through purposeful action, responsibility and compassion—not through press conferences and frivolous statements aimed at diverting public attention from government failures.

November 29, 2025
Ganduje, Kano APC stakeholders endorse Tinubu for second term

Former Governor of Kano State and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has led party executives and stakeholders in Kano to formally endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the APC’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Ganduje, who briefed newsmen about the endorsement said the decision taken after a three-day meeting with party leaders from the North Senatorial District, which ended on Sunday in Kano.

The stakeholders meeting included local government chairmen and caucus members across the 44 local government areas and 484 wards of the state.

The purpose of the meeting was to ensure solidarity within the party and support for the federal government under President Tinubu, Ganduje said.

“As we move towards 2027, there is need for us to ensure complete unity in our party, from top to bottom,” he said.

He noted, “The meeting was also aimed at renewing commitment in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

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He stressed the importance of the solidarity and pledged unwavering support for the federal government.

He said, “We must ensure that all our party offices at the local government and ward levels are physically accessible and functionally operative.

“Party executives and delegates were requested to return home and formally endorse Tinubu at their constituencies.”

Ganduje also highlighted plans to implement e-registration of party members, directing each local government to provide three computer experts to be trained at the state headquarters before rolling out the programme across the state.

The ex-governor assured that Kano would again record the highest number of registered party members during the exercise.

He urged members to comply with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines by ensuring that all eligible citizens aged 18 and above register in line with the ongoing nationwide voter registration exercise.

Ganduje reaffirmed the APC’s resolve to maintain unity and active participation at all levels ahead of the 2027 elections.

The roll call of the meeting included Kano State 2023 APC governorship candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, his running mate, Murtala Sule-Garo, and House of Representatives member Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, among other prominent APC chieftains in the state.

November 23, 2025
Ganduje empowers over 3,000 youth, receives 500 NNPP defectors in Kano

The son of the immediate past national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Executive Director, Technical Services, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Umar Abdullahi Umar, has empowered more than 3,000 supporters of APC in Kano state.

Umar, whose father was the former governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, launched the first phase of the empowerment programme at an event held at Armani Event Centre in Kano on Sunday evening.

A statement released on Monday in Abuja by the Chief Press Secretary to the former chairman of the APC, Edwin Olofu, said the empowerment package, distributed to the youths across all the 44 local government areas of the state, includes agricultural inputs, among others, aimed at boosting agriculture and making the beneficiaries self-reliant.

Umar was quoted in the statement to have described the empowerment as the tip of the iceberg of a broader scheme planned for people, especially for youth and women in the state.

Addressing a large crowd of beneficiaries, Umar said his passion to help the populace prompted him to introduce an empowerment scheme, not only for the constituents of Tofa/Dawakin-Tofa, Rimingado federal constituency, where he hails from, but people across the state.

Umar hinted that plans are also underway to launch the second phase of the initiative.

“We have already begun plans for the next phase of this empowerment. This is not the end. Any APC member who did not receive support today should not lose hope; your turn will come,” he assured.

The empowerment items distributed include tricycles, mini-trucks, fertilisers, herbicides, improved seedlings, and solar-powered.

READ ALSO; NELFUND’s disbursements hit N116b for students’ fees, upkeeps

Others include irrigation pumps and agro-processing machines, among other modern farming tools designed to boost productivity and promote self-reliance among the beneficiaries.

He urged the beneficiaries to use the items judiciously without selling them, noting that the gesture was to boost their livelihood.

“I am inspired to offer this kind gesture by our APC leaders in Kano. Their service to humanity is a source of inspiration to me and many members of our great party.

“Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Murtala Sule Garo, Abba Bichi, and Mariya Bunkure are among those who inspire me for what they are doing to people of our great state.”

The beneficiaries expressed delight and gratitude for receiving what they described as lifetime support, noting that the intervention came at the right time.

One of them beneficiaries, Aminu Ahmad, said the free fertilizer would help revive farming activities crippled by high costs.

According to him, the fertiliser would help him save some money that would have been used for other purposes.

“I just received fertiliser now. The recent high cost of fertiliser has hindered our farming output. Today, we are right to say that we have been rescued, and our morale has been boosted to go back to the farm.

“We are very grateful for this gesture shown by Engr. Umar has depicted him as the true heir of his father, Baba Ganduje,” he said.

Meanwhile, immediately after the distribution of the items, Umar received no fewer than 500 members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) who joined the APC.

Receiving the defectors, he said the party would treat them as bona fide members without discrimination.

He commended them for “your courage to see the truth to join APC as the strongest party in Africa.”

November 17, 2025
Ganduje’s family has no stake in Dala Dry Port- Management

The Management of Dala Inland Dry Port (DIDP) has cleared the family of the immediate past National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Kano Governor Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje of any stake in the company.

A statement by the company’s secretary, Adamu Sanda in Abuja, on Wednesday, said the clarification became necessary following recent media reports alleging that members of Ganduje’s family are shareholders and directors in the company.

Sanda explained the equity contributions of stakeholders are clearly documented, duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and subject to routine oversight.

According to him : “This claim is entirely false. Verified records from the CAC and official board resolutions clearly show that no member of the Ganduje family has ever been a shareholder, director, or signatory in Dala Inland Dry Port.”

He further said that the company was originally owned and managed by Ahmad Rabi’u and his associates before he invited City Green Enterprises (CGE) to invest in the project after years of dormancy.

Sanda stressed that prior to the sale, Rabi’u consolidated all shares in his own name after obtaining resignation letters from other directors, including his son.

He said CGE subsequently purchased 80 percent of the company, while Rabiu retained 20 percent, which he has not fully paid for.

Sanda noted that the transaction was properly filed with the CAC, and at no point did it include the Kano State Government or any member of the Ganduje family.

He added that the claim that Ganduje’s children were allotted five million shares each at an “ordinary resolution” meeting, creating a new ownership structure with five equal shareholders, was false and untrue.

Read Also: What Kwankwaso must do before joining APC -Ganduje

Sanda noted: “This claim is a fabrication. The alleged resolution document is not authentic. It was single-handedly authored and signed by Ahmad Rabi’u without the consent or knowledge of the other directors.

“Official company records at the CAC make no reference to such a resolution, and there is no legal or corporate evidence supporting the existence of any share allotment to Dr. Ganduje’s children.

“This forged document is one of several acts of mischief engineered by Rabi’u in a desperate attempt to politicise a private commercial matter following his removal as Managing Director.

“Contrary to the practice of the board where all resolutions are prepared by the Board Secretary and signed by either two directors or chairman and secretary of the board, Ahmad Rabiu single-handedly wrote the resolution and signed it.”

On the allegation that the Kano state government holds a 20 percent share in Dala Inland Dry Port, Sanda said it was untrue.

Sanda stressed: “The Kano state government has never owned equity in Dala Inland Dry Port. The state’s only involvement came through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support provided at the request of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to facilitate the revival of the port project and promote economic growth in Kano.

“A letter of appreciation was issued by the NSC in response to the provision of critical infrastructure at the proposed site development of the Inland Dry Port at Zawaciki.”

Sanda said CSR assistance, by definition, does not constitute shareholding or ownership, adding that it was purely developmental support aimed at benefiting traders, businesses, and logistics operators in the state.

October 8, 2025
What Kwankwaso must do before joining APC, by Ganduje
- I haven’t sent letter to any political party – ex Kano gov
Immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, yesterday insisted that the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, must follow due process if he wishes to return to the ruling party.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Ganduje made it clear that the party has no objection to the reported move by Kwankwaso to join APC.

The immediate past Kano governor was responding to Kwankwaso’s reported moves and demands on a possible return and NNPP’s merger with the APC.

Ganduje was Kwankwaso’s deputy before winning gubernatorial election in 2015 and reelection in 2019, bowing out in May 2023.

However, Ganduje, emphasised that his predecessor and former benefactor (Kwankwaso), who later had frosty ties with him and left the APC, must accept certain conditions before rejoining the party.

Fielding questions from BBC Hausa, Ganduje stated that the APC operates by rules and guidelines, and Kwankwaso must comply with them before being admitted.

Read Also: Ondo police arrest ‘notorious gunrunner’ supplying arms to Osun, Kogi, Edo, Kwara

Kwankwaso recently told Hon. Buhari Bakwana, a former adviser on political affairs to Dr. Ganduje and APC grassroots members from the 44 local government areas of Kano State that “We are ready to join APC under strong conditions and promises. We will not allow anyone to use us and later dump us.”

Kwankwaso added: “Discussions about a merger or return to APC must spell out tangible benefits for my party (NNPP).”

In his interview with BBC, Ganduje further stated: “We’ve heard about Kwankwaso’s return plans. In democracy, the vote of a thief and that of a cleric carry equal weight. So, we won’t shut our doors to anyone.

“Anyone who wants to join is welcome, but they must follow due process. We have rules and a constitution. If they return, we’ll welcome them, but we will name it for what it is: they’ve vomited and now they’re licking it back.”

Despite Kwankwaso’s reported willingness to return to the APC, on “strong promises” from the ruling party, the NNPP national leader yesterday said he has not submitted any letter to the APC or any political party, as reported by Daily Trust.

The paper had reported that “strong indications emerged lately that former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is in talks with the All Progressives Congress (APC) National chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on plans to join the ruling party.

And that “sources within the APC in Kano, said Kwankwaso had written to the national secretariat of the APC in Abuja informing the party of his intention to join the party.

“A source at the APC secretariat in Abuja said Kwankwaso and the APC national chairman have been holding talks in respect of the former’s expected defection and that plans have reached advanced stage.

“A reliable source within the Kano APC informed our correspondent that Kwankwaso has submitted a set of conditions for his return to the ruling party.

“The source said the letter was forwarded to the APC national leadership in Abuja, rather than the Kano chapter, due to his lingering rivalry with the state leadership of the party.”

In his rebuttal on his personal X handle on Friday, Kwankwaso denied writing a letter to any party. He did not deny reports that he was preparing and negotiating to return to the ruling party, on whose platform he won his second term election.

He also did not deny holding talks with the APC National chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on plans to join the ruling party.

Kwankwaso said: “We have been alerted to some online statements suggesting that we have submitted a letter of intent to join a political party in the country.

“We would like to clarify that we have not made any such submission to any party.

“The public is therefore advised to stay informed of any further information regarding our matter through the established official channels.”
September 27, 2025