In a recent statement, former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has responded to comments made by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso by asserting that Kwankwaso was once under his political tutelage. The remarks were made through Ganduje’s chief of staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba, while Ganduje is in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Ganduje emphasized that politics thrives on relationships, mentorship, and mutual support, pointing out that every successful politician has received help from others along the way. He claimed to have played a pivotal role in Kwankwaso’s early political career, particularly during his election to the House of Representatives and his subsequent rise to Deputy Speaker.
“I have every right to say Kwankwaso was once my political boy because I supported him and helped him attain important positions,” Ganduje was quoted as saying. He further noted that before that period, when he worked in both Abuja and Kano, Kwankwaso often visited his offices to discuss political matters.
The former governor urged politicians to avoid labels like “godfather” and “political son,” arguing that the focus should be on leadership quality and development of the people. He also recalled the 1998 political developments in Kano, where he won the governorship primary but stepped down for unity, agreeing to serve as Kwankwaso’s deputy.
Despite later political differences, Ganduje acknowledged that he and Kwankwaso collaborated between 1999 and 2003, and again from 2011 to 2015, for the progress of Kano State. Regarding Abba Kabir Yusuf, Ganduje stated that although Yusuf once served under him, he is now the elected governor of Kano and deserves respect for his office.
Ganduje called on politicians and their supporters in Kano to avoid remarks that could deepen divisions, urging a focus on peace and unity in the state.