The former Governor of Kano State and immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has held a closed door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Although details of the high-level meeting remain largely undisclosed, a source close to Ganduje, who requested anonymity, revealed that the former governor used the opportunity to express his preference for Murtala Sule Garo as the most suitable candidate for the position of Deputy Governor of Kano State.
According to the source, Ganduje emphasized that Garo is a grassroots politician with a strong electoral structure, describing him as someone capable of delivering victory not only in the forthcoming elections but also in future political contests. The source further disclosed that Ganduje assured President Tinubu of Garo’s political competence, noting that he stands out among members of the current cabinet in terms of political experience and capacity to support the administration.
It was also gathered that Ganduje claimed to have received assurances from President Tinubu that Garo would emerge as the next Deputy Governor of Kano State.
However, independent findings by our correspondent among key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State indicate growing resistance to the move. Many party stakeholders reportedly view Garo as a candidate being imposed by Ganduje, rather than one emerging through consensus.
The source further alleged dissatisfaction over the continued influence of Ganduje’s wife, (Gwaggo) who is accused by some party members of playing a decisive role in determining political appointments. According to the source,
“the time has passed for undue influence in deciding who occupies critical political offices, especially when there are more qualified and widely accepted candidates within the party.”
Several alternative names were mentioned by party insiders as more acceptable options for the position of Deputy Governor, including Malam Salihu Sagir Takai, Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi, Muhammad Ali Wudil, Kabiru Ado Lakwaya and many others.
These stakeholders insist that the party should prioritize merit, credibility, and broad acceptance rather than impose what they described as a “family-backed candidate.”
The source went further to allege that the push for Garo may be politically motivated to shield him from lingering corruption allegations, with critics describing him as one of the most controversial political figures in Kano State due to multiple accusations of financial misconduct.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the likelihood of his confirmation by the Kano State House of Assembly. According to the source, given the weight of allegations against him, it would be difficult if not impossible for the legislature to approve his nomination.
As political tensions continue to build within the APC in Kano State, the unfolding developments signal a potential power struggle that could shape the party’s internal dynamics and electoral prospects in the coming years.
It is also worth recalling that His Excellency Aminu Abdulsalam, stepped down from office of the deputy governor of Kano state following allegations levelled against him by the Kano State House of Assembly, a development that further intensifies the political significance of the ongoing succession battle.
PR/BBY/AB