Politics

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. Related: Why Kano APC Backs Ganduje, Declares Him ‘Undisputed Leader’ of the Party 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. Read Also: Rurum, Kano Governorship Candidate, Visits Ganduje in London as APC Strategizes for 2027 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.

Following a recent strategic gathering of key All-Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders at the residence of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in Kano, one observation stood out, although Ganduje himself was not physically present, the meeting sent a strong and unified message of total loyalty to his leadership. The stakeholders reaffirmed their full support for him as the undisputed political leader of the APC in Kano State and pledged their commitment to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid ahead of 2027. Some observers had questioned the absence of Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, from the high-level meeting. However, political analysts quickly clarified that nearly all Kano APC political appointees, elected officials, and notable figures were in attendance. Only those with valid and verifiable reasons were absent, notably former Speaker Alhassan Ado Rurum and Rep. Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada, who were in London to pay a courtesy visit to Ganduje himself. More than 80 percent of current Kano APC members either worked directly under Ganduje or served with him closely during his tenure, making the show of solidarity not just political, but deeply personal. Related: How Kano People Missed Dr. Ganduje As the APC continues to navigate internal alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, one truth is increasingly evident in Kano, the party’s resolute support for Ganduje remains unshaken. While outsiders may view this allegiance as predictable, those within the party describe it as rooted in a legacy of structure, empowerment, and political stewardship that continues to shape the APC’s direction statewide and across the Northwest. Dr. Ganduje, the immediate past Governor of Kano State and former National Chairman of the APC, is widely regarded as the pillar upon which the party stands in Kano. His political structure, the Gandujiyya Movement, is one of the most organized and far-reaching in the region, built on years of grassroots empowerment, deliberate political inclusiveness, and calculated strategy. He is credited with solidifying the party’s fortunes during his time in office, especially during the challenging 2019 re-election, which he won despite intense opposition. Under his leadership, the APC retained legislative dominance in Kano, contributed major votes to presidential contests, and built influential alliances across the region. Even after leaving office in 2023, Ganduje remained instrumental in the party’s campaign messaging and grassroots mobilization particularly in Northern Nigeria during the emergence of President Tinubu. Read Also: Ganduje’s Enduring Relevance: A Political Legacy That Transcends Tenure Ganduje’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, his appointments of loyalists to positions of relevance, and his ability to carry party members along have all helped cement his legacy within the APC. From ward leaders to technocrats, many within the party view him as a father figure and political mentor. Beyond Kano, Dr. Ganduje has maintained relevance at the national stage. As APC National Chairman, though briefly, he played a pivotal role in addressing party crises in key states, working to promote internal reconciliation and unity. His defence of Northern political interests during the build-up to the 2023 elections earned him further credibility within the region’s political elite. Despite opposition from the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano, Ganduje remains the rallying point for APC loyalists across the state. His absence from public office has not diminished his influence, rather has amplified his stature as the party’s strategic thinker and silent kingmaker. To Kano APC members, Ganduje is not just a former governor, but the engine behind the party’s survival and relevance. His loyalists continue to believe that the path to victory in 2027 lies in preserving his political structure and aligning with President Tinubu’s national agenda. The recent show of support from stakeholders reaffirms this belief. Understanding why Kano APC stands behind Ganduje is to understand the values of loyalty, political structure, and consistent leadership. His name continues to resonate across wards, local governments, and federal circles. As preparations for 2027 begin to unfold, the Ganduje factor remains central not just in Kano, but in the North, and by extension, the country at large. Umar Idris Shuaibu is a journalist and writes from Kano.