Politics

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The political atmosphere in Kano has once again shifted with the confirmation and growing consolidation of Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor, a development that has stirred fresh conversations about structure, loyalty, and long term political stability in the state. In the middle of this unfolding alignment remains a familiar and influential figure, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, whose political footprint in Kano continues to shape current realities. Across political circles, Garo’s emergence is being interpreted as more than a routine appointment. Many stakeholders see it as a reinforcement of an established political network that has remained active even after transitions in office. For supporters, it signals continuity within a structure that has long been associated with organisation, discipline, and electoral coordination. Ganduje’s political journey in Kano spans decades, including eight years as governor, during which he navigated the complexities of grassroots politics, elite bargaining, and administrative governance. Those close to the political space argue that this experience helped him build a system that remains deeply rooted in local communities across the state. Read Also: Ganduje Links Rising Begging in North to Poor Support for Disabled Persons Emulating Grassroots Empowerment: Lessons from Professor Hafsat Ganduje’s Model Kano Political Shift: Ganduje Hails Reps’ Defection to APC It is this structure, analysts say, that continues to define political mobilisation in Kano today. From ward level engagement to higher level coordination, his network is often described as one of the most organised political systems in northern Nigeria, capable of influencing both party stability and electoral outcomes. Within current political discussions, attention is increasingly turning to how this structure could shape future electoral contests, particularly as both federal and state level political actors position themselves for upcoming cycles. Some party stakeholders believe that maintaining cohesion in Kano will be critical for broader political success, including the second term considerations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Supporters of Ganduje argue that his strength lies not only in influence but in his ability to manage competing interests within a complex political environment. They point to his record of balancing loyalty, ambition, and institutional structure as a key reason his relevance has endured beyond tenure. The emergence of Garo as Deputy Governor has further reinforced this perception among political watchers, who view it as a development that strengthens internal alignment and potentially reduces fragmentation within the political space. Beyond immediate political calculations, Ganduje’s influence is also tied to his deep understanding of Kano’s political terrain. Having served as commissioner under different administrations and later as governor, he is widely regarded as someone who understands the state’s political geography, from rural communities to urban centres. As Kano continues to adjust to new political realities, one point remains consistent among observers. The structure built over time has not disappeared, and its influence is still visible in ongoing alignments and decisions. For many within the political landscape, the conclusion is simple. In Kano politics, structure matters, and Ganduje remains one of the most defining figures behind that structure.

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The political atmosphere in Kano has taken a fresh turn following the confirmation and consolidation of Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor, a development that has triggered renewed discussions around alignment, structure, and long term political calculations in the state. At the centre of these unfolding dynamics remains Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, whose political influence continues to echo strongly across Kano’s political landscape. Garo’s emergence has been widely interpreted within political circles as a strengthening of an already established structure rather than a new political arrangement. For many stakeholders, it reflects continuity within a system that has remained active and influential across different political transitions in the state. Ganduje’s political journey in Kano spans decades of public service, including eight years as governor, during which he built deep connections across the state’s political and administrative layers. His experience, observers say, gave him an uncommon understanding of Kano’s grassroots dynamics, elite structures, and electoral behaviour. Read Also: Ganduje-Led APC Stakeholders Back Yusuf for 2027, Spark Political Debate in Kano Ganduje Confident APC Will Reclaim Kano in 2027 Ganduje Links Rising Begging in North to Poor Support for Disabled Persons That long standing engagement, according to political watchers, is what has translated into a durable political network that continues to play a role in shaping alignments and mobilising support across the state. From local communities to higher level political engagements, his structure is often described as one of the most coordinated in northern Nigeria. Within current discussions, attention is increasingly focused on how such structures influence broader political objectives, especially as parties and stakeholders position themselves ahead of future electoral contests. In these conversations, stability in Kano is seen as a key factor in determining outcomes at both state and national levels. Some political actors believe that effective coordination in Kano remains central to any serious electoral strategy, including the second term considerations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Within this context, Ganduje’s network is often viewed as a critical element in sustaining cohesion and strengthening political outreach. Supporters argue that his strength lies in his ability to balance competing interests while maintaining loyalty and discipline within party structures. They note that this capacity has allowed him to remain relevant even after leaving office, with his influence still visible in key political decisions and alignments. The emergence of Garo as Deputy Governor has further intensified attention on these dynamics, with observers suggesting that it reinforces internal cohesion and strengthens coordination within the existing political framework. Beyond immediate political calculations, Ganduje’s continued relevance is also tied to his deep familiarity with Kano’s political terrain, built over decades of service as commissioner, governor, and party leader. This experience, analysts say, gives him a strategic advantage in understanding how to navigate the state’s complex political environment. As Kano’s political landscape continues to evolve, one theme remains consistent among stakeholders. Structures, not sentiments, continue to shape outcomes, and in that regard, Ganduje’s political network remains a central reference point in ongoing alignments and strategic positioning.

By Umar Algamawy Takai In a region where access to basic social infrastructure remains a pressing challenge, a House of Representatives aspirant for Takai/Sumaila Federal Constituency, Abbas Uba Saraki, is drawing attention for what many describe as a remarkable act of personal philanthropy. At Kachako community, the aspirant has constructed a modern orphanage alongside a mosque, a project executed under his charitable platform, IMKASH Foundation. The initiative, according to residents, is designed to provide shelter, education, and spiritual guidance for orphaned and vulnerable children within the area. The facility, described by locals as a “landmark intervention,” stands as a reflection of a growing trend where political actors increasingly invest personal resources into community development, beyond the traditional reliance on public office. For many in Kachako and surrounding communities, the project represents more than infrastructure—it signals a commitment to human development at the grassroots. Community members who spoke on the development noted that such an initiative, if left solely to government funding, would require significant public expenditure. They argued that projects of this magnitude—ranging from modern schools to healthcare facilities and quality road networks—are often expected from state resources, making privately funded interventions both rare and impactful. Read Also: Ganduje-Led APC Stakeholders Back Yusuf for 2027, Spark Political Debate in Kano Governor Yusuf Orders Probe into Abdullahi Musa Over Alleged ₦1.5bn Salary Deductions Abbas Uba Saraki Strengthens APC Unity in Sumaila Ahead of 2027 Observers within the constituency point out that the orphanage project distinguishes Abbas Uba Saraki among his peers, particularly in a political environment where tangible, self-funded community projects are not commonly documented. The initiative has also sparked conversations about the role of personal responsibility in leadership and governance. While acknowledging the need for broader institutional support, residents emphasised that individual contributions such as this can complement government efforts in addressing social welfare gaps. The mosque, situated within the same premises, is expected to serve not only the orphanage but also the wider community, fostering both spiritual growth and social cohesion. Supporters of the aspirant have called on constituents to recognise and encourage such efforts, describing the project as a symbol of compassion and foresight. They further urged stakeholders to sustain the momentum by promoting initiatives that directly improve the lives of the less privileged. As political activities gradually gather pace ahead of the next electoral cycle, projects like the Kachako orphanage may increasingly shape public perception, offering voters a tangible measure of leadership beyond campaign promises. Photo News: