By Umar Idris Shuaibu
In an environment where uncompleted projects often serve as grim reminders of political discontinuity and abandoned public trust, the tenure of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State, stands out as a model of consistency and dedication. He is one of the few Nigerian governors who not only completed nearly all projects he initiated during his two terms in office, but also ensured the completion of several critical projects inherited from past administrations.
Ganduje’s governance approach has been widely lauded for its emphasis on continuity, public interest, and results. Unlike many politicians who allow important state projects to rot in the name of rivalry or opposition politics, he chose a different path, one defined by statesmanship.
While some politicians, especially those in opposition, are often accused of either initiating projects with no real intention of completing them or deliberately stalling important ones for political optics, Ganduje took the view that government is a continuum and that taxpayers’ money must never be wasted under any guise. His refusal to play petty politics with state infrastructure earned him praise across the political divide.
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From road construction, urban renewal, and educational infrastructure to healthcare expansion and rural electrification, Ganduje’s government took stock of existing projects and moved many of them to completion. One notable example was the completion of key flyover bridges and road interchanges in Kano metropolis, some of which were started by previous administrations. The Ganduje government not only finished them but enhanced their scope to accommodate growing urban demands.
His achievements extended into sectors like education, where he inherited the Girl-Child Education Project and School Feeding Programme and transformed them into more sustainable, well-funded efforts. In healthcare, he upgraded facilities, completed diagnostic centers, and expanded health access across the 44 local governments in the state. These were not new dreams but unfinished ones that had been left in political limbo.
During his time in office, Ganduje ensured that every project had a clear implementation plan, budget alignment, and performance tracking mechanism. His administration provided regular updates on progress, a rare practice among Nigerian state governments, thereby reinforcing public confidence in governance.
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As he exited office in 2023, Ganduje left behind a state with fewer abandoned projects and a more structured governance system. Unlike his contemporaries who leave successor governments with dozens of incomplete plans, his administration offered a smoother takeoff point for whoever came next.
For the people of Kano, Ganduje’s tenure is remembered not just for what was started, but for what was completed. In a political culture where many start projects for mere ribbon-cutting or propaganda, he focused on delivery and long-term public value.
His leadership now serves as a yardstick, and many believe that future leaders, whether from the ruling party or opposition must take a cue from the Ganduje doctrine of “start to finish.”
The legacy he left behind sends a strong message, projects are not for praise-singing or scorecard, they are for the people and they must be completed.
