Former Kano State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has broken his silence on the lingering Kano Emirship tussle, asserting that the Supreme Court will deliver the final verdict. He clarified that his recent public salutation of Muhammadu Sanusi II should not be mistaken as an endorsement of his reinstatement as Emir of Kano.
Clarification on Remarks
Ganduje made the clarification in a statement issued by his former Chief of Staff, Muhammad Garba, after reactions trailed his remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of Kano's new deputy governor on Tuesday. At the event, Ganduje had addressed Sanusi as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs, drawing applause from dignitaries and sparking widespread speculation over his stance.
The former governor emphasized that his remarks were merely a sign of respect at a public function and did not constitute recognition of Sanusi's claim to the throne. "It is important to clarify that what happened was simply an expression of respect in a public gathering. It should not be misconstrued as an endorsement," Ganduje said.
Legal Position
He maintained that the matter remains before the courts and that only the Supreme Court has the authority to make a final pronouncement. "The subsisting legal position recognises Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 14th Emir, pending the final judgment of the Supreme Court," he stated.
Ganduje added that interpretations suggesting he had shifted allegiance in the emirship dispute were exaggerated. He urged all parties to remain calm and await the apex court's verdict, expected in April next year. "The interpretation being given to the remark is clearly exaggerated. All parties should exercise restraint and await the Supreme Court judgment," he added.
Background of the Crisis
The Kano Emirship crisis dates back to March 2020 when Ganduje, then governor, deposed Sanusi over what he described as "total disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the governor." Following Sanusi's removal, Aminu Ado Bayero was appointed Emir of Kano. However, in May 2024, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf reinstated Sanusi and simultaneously dethroned Bayero, triggering a fresh legal battle. Bayero challenged his removal in court, with the dispute reaching the Supreme Court, which recently adjourned hearing until April 2027.
Meanwhile, Yusuf formally joined the APC earlier this year after defecting from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), reshaping Kano's political landscape ahead of the final judicial decision.
