By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano From the moment Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje expanded his political relevance beyond Kano, first as a two-term governor, later as the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and now as the Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), one reality has remained evident because the political space around him has never been quiet. Those who predicted that his influence would fade after leaving office have instead watched it extend across Kano, Northern Nigeria, and the national political landscape. And as the attempts to diminish him grow louder, one question becomes even clearer: Who is truly afraid of Ganduje, and why does his political depth unsettle so many? The pattern is consistent. The attacks do not follow him because of a lack of delivery. They follow him precisely because of delivery. Politics of Work: A Record Difficult to Rewrite Ganduje’s political identity has never been built on noise, theatrics, or media-driven sentiments. He belongs to a breed of politicians who work first and speak later. His years as governor left behind a structural footprint across Kano that remains visible and difficult to erase: flyovers, underpasses, schools, hospitals, rural development initiatives, herder-focused interventions such as the Dansoshiya settlement, agricultural expansions, and community-based projects that continue to shape public memory. Read Also: APC Confident of Retaining Presidency in 2027, Says National Chairman Why They Are Afraid of Dr. Ganduje 2027: Kano APC Stakeholders Unanimously Back President Tinubu Whether loved or criticised, his performance record is not something his opponents can wish away. At the national level, his leadership as APC National Chairman came during a politically sensitive period. He was not a chairman of spectacle; he was a chairman of structure, cohesion, and calculated engagement. His ability to manage diverse political blocs from north and south earned him quiet regard even among those who ordinarily opposed him. And perhaps the clearest sign of his enduring significance lies in this: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to entrust him with strategic responsibilities. Such trust is not given by accident; it is reserved for those who can deliver results without unnecessary drama. Why His Influence Provokes Fear Ganduje is not feared because he seeks relevance; he is feared because he already has it. He is not feared because he fights political battles; he is feared because he rarely loses them. He is not feared because of controversy; he is feared because controversy has never derailed his political trajectory. Across Northern Nigeria especially within APC structures, Ganduje represents a unique combination of experience, political reliability, and resilience. He has survived storms that have ended the careers of many. He has retained influence in systems that often attempt to weaken those who rise too high. And through it all, his political capital remains intact. For some power blocs, this is deeply unsettling. – A politician with influence that does not depend on media noise. – A northern figure with strong ties to the presidency. – A Kano statesman with deep grassroots architecture. – A party strategist with national understanding. Such a figure is not easily controlled nor easily ignored. Kano: The Ground of His Enduring Strength Kano, the political nerve centre of the North, remains the base of Ganduje’s long-standing relevance. From his years as deputy governor to his two-term governorship, he built a network rooted in loyalty, decades of political relationships, and development-driven engagement. Even out of office, his political structure remains active. His loyalists remain visible. His alliances across emirates, grassroots communities, and political clusters remain strong. For those who expected Ganduje to vanish from Kano’s political theatre, his continued visibility has become a major source of concern. His name still shapes conversations, triggers calculations, and influences political strategy. His relevance is not imagined. It is real, practical, and persistent. Why the Attacks Will Continue And Why They Won’t Work Those who fear his continued rise will keep generating noise around him. But the political public, especially in Kano, is more discerning than many assume. – They remember the infrastructure that reshaped the city. – They remember the rural investments that touched farmers and herders. – They remember the political stability he brought to the APC at critical moments. – They see the confidence President Tinubu continues to place in him. – They observe his sustained relationships across Northern Nigeria and beyond. Critics may shout loudly, but history does not reward loudness. History rewards impact. And Ganduje’s impact, whether admired or contested, remains unmistakable. Ganduje Should Stay Focused, Nigeria Needs Maturity, Not Politics of Noise Nigeria is at a stage where experience, stability, and mature political management matter more than theatrics. Ganduje represents these qualities. He must remain focused, contributing through service, national responsibility, political maturity, and continued loyalty to the nation’s democratic journey. Let those who fear him amplify their noise. He should continue his work. Related: Why They Are Afraid of Dr. Ganduje Why Tinubu Needs Ganduje To Win 2027 2027 Politics: Kabir Abubakar Bichi as alternative Kano guber candidate Because ultimately, it will not be the political noise surrounding him that defines his legacy. It will be the roads built, the institutions strengthened, the political stability sustained, and the national roles he continues to play. Nigeria needs results, not rivalry. Nigeria needs maturity, not manipulation. And over decades, Ganduje has shown he understands this difference. That is why he is attacked. And that is precisely why he remains relevant. Umar Idris Shuaibu writes from Kano. shuaibuumaridris@gmail.com
