Abdullahi Ganduje, the former national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has responded to Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, stating that the former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) was once his protégé.
Ganduje, currently in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage, made this known in a statement issued by his chief of staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba, on Friday, May 29. The statement comes as a reply to recent remarks made by Kwankwaso against Ganduje.
Background of the Political Rivalry
The political feud between Ganduje and Kwankwaso has been longstanding, with both figures being prominent politicians from Kano State. Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano, served as a mentor to Ganduje before their relationship soured. Ganduje later succeeded Kwankwaso as governor in 2015 but under the APC, while Kwankwaso moved to the NNPP.
Ganduje’s Statement
In the statement, Ganduje emphasized that Kwankwaso should not forget his political roots, reminding him that he was once a subordinate. The former APC chairman urged Kwankwaso to focus on issues rather than personal attacks.
“Kwankwaso was once my boy, and he should remember that. I have no personal vendetta against him, but he must learn to respect his elders and those who helped him rise,” the statement read in part.
Reactions and Implications
Political analysts see this exchange as a sign of deepening divisions within Kano’s political landscape. The Kwankwasiyya movement remains a strong force in the state, while Ganduje continues to wield influence within the APC. The back-and-forth could impact alliances ahead of future elections.
As the Hajj pilgrimage continues, Ganduje is expected to remain in Saudi Arabia, but his statement has already sparked discussions among political observers in Nigeria.
