By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano
The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has departed Nigeria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
Dr. Ganduje, a former two-term governor of Kano State, travelled alongside members of his family, including his wife, Hafsat Abdullahi Ganduje, his daughter, Amina Ganduje, and his son, Umar Ganduje, popularly known as Engr. Abba Ganduje.
The pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is expected to climax on May 26, 2026, corresponding with the 9th of Zul-Hijjah 1447AH, the sacred Day of Arafat regarded as the spiritual peak of the Hajj rites. Millions of Muslims from across the world are expected to converge on the holy cities of Mecca and Medina for the annual spiritual exercise.
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For Dr. Ganduje, whose public service career has spanned decades in governance, politics, and administration, the pilgrimage represents a period of spiritual reflection, prayers, and devotion. Political observers also note that he remains among prominent Nigerian political figures who chose to embark on the sacred journey despite ongoing political activities and party engagements across the country.
Associates and supporters of the former Kano governor have continued to offer prayers for a successful pilgrimage, describing the journey as a moment of thanksgiving and supplication for peace, unity, and progress in Kano State and Nigeria at large.
Prior to his departure, Dr. Ganduje remained active in public and community engagements, attending political, religious, and developmental activities within and outside Kano State.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage continues to attract millions of faithful Muslims globally, serving as a symbol of unity, sacrifice, humility, and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah.
As Dr. Ganduje and his family join other pilgrims from Nigeria and across the world in the holy land, prayers have continued to pour in for Allah’s acceptance of their acts of worship and their safe return home in peace and sound health.