Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has clarified that he holds no authority to determine the outcome of the ongoing emirship dispute, emphasizing that only the Supreme Court and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf can resolve the matter. Speaking through Muhammad Garba, his former commissioner of information and chief of staff, Ganduje addressed recent media reports suggesting he had endorsed Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano.
Ganduje explained that during the swearing-in ceremony of the deputy governor, he referred to Sanusi by his traditional title purely out of respect and protocol, not as a formal endorsement. He expressed regret that the gesture was misinterpreted and blown out of proportion by some media outlets. The former governor stressed that the emirship tussle remains sub judice and urged caution to avoid any actions that may be viewed as contempt of court.
He recalled that the Court of Appeal has ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the Supreme Court’s final judgment. According to Ganduje, the current legal position recognizes Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 14th Emir, until the apex court delivers its verdict, expected in April next year. As a former governor, he said he has no constitutional role in recognizing or rejecting any claimant, and the matter rests solely with the judiciary and the state government. He called on all parties to exercise restraint and await the court’s decision.