Kano Stakeholders Issue Urgent Warning to President Tinubu Over Deputy Governor Appointment
In a significant development, a coalition of Kano State stakeholders has dispatched an urgent letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing grave concerns about alleged attempts to influence Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's selection of a deputy governor. The group warns that the candidate under consideration faces serious corruption charges, and any political pressure could severely compromise the rule of law in the state.
Direct Assault on Rule of Law Alleged
The letter, dated April 7, 2026, and signed by Habib Musa Dawanan, describes the situation as a "direct assault on the rule of law." According to the stakeholders, appointing the embattled candidate would effectively grant de facto immunity and stall ongoing criminal proceedings against him. The group specifically identified former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as promoting this candidate, who is reportedly a co-defendant in active corruption cases initiated by the Kano State government.
"They cautioned that installing another official under prosecution would undermine the credibility of both the Kano State Government and the ruling APC," the letter stated, drawing parallels with previous corruption allegations that forced the resignation of former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam, whose cases reportedly involved billions of naira.
Credibility of Anti-Corruption Efforts at Stake
The stakeholders emphasized that such a decision could erode the Tinubu administration's anti-corruption stance and create damaging perceptions of double standards. The letter warned that political interference could significantly damage the credibility of the APC and weaken public trust in anti-corruption efforts nationwide. The group noted that opposition groups are already mobilizing in anticipation of future state elections, potentially exploiting this controversy.
"It appears to be a calculated attempt to secure backdoor immunity for the accused," the stakeholders wrote, adding that the move would "ridicule the office of the governor and compromise the integrity of the legislature." They urged President Tinubu to maintain consistency in the fight against corruption, drawing parallels with federal investigations involving figures such as Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai.
Call for Governor's Discretion and Institutional Integrity
The coalition called on President Tinubu to allow Governor Yusuf full discretion in choosing a deputy, asserting that "the soul of governance and sanctity of institutions must remain paramount." They concluded that preserving institutional integrity and public trust should take precedence over political maneuvering, cautioning that ignoring these warnings could have lasting consequences for both the APC and governance in Kano State.
In related political developments, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reportedly held a meeting with former governor Ibrahim Shekarau in Abuja as part of ongoing political realignments in the state. Sources close to Shekarau described the meeting as part of wider consultations aimed at persuading the former governor to return to the APC, with APC chairman in Kano State, Umar Haruna Doguwa, also present.
