In the unfolding political landscape of Kano State, one truth stands undeniable as Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s legacy continues to define the direction, pace, and expectations of governance. Nearly two years into office, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)-led administration under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has struggled to escape the shadow of the former governor, whose developmental strides remain deeply etched in the state’s progress story.
Rather than consolidating on the solid foundations laid during Ganduje’s two-term tenure, the NNPP government has seemingly chosen a path of political vengeance — focusing more on dismantling his achievements than building new ones. From endless legal distractions to administrative reversals, the state government appears more interested in Ganduje’s past than in its own performance record.
Observers argue that the NNPP government came into power without a clear blueprint for governance. Since assuming office, there has been little evidence of coherent planning, continuity, or measurable progress in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and urban renewal. Instead, political theatrics and intra-party crises have dominated the government’s first years, stalling meaningful development and eroding public confidence.
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By contrast, during his eight-year tenure, Dr. Ganduje demonstrated a pragmatic and inclusive approach to governance. He not only transformed Kano metropolis into a rapidly growing mega city through massive road networks, flyovers, and urban renewal projects, but also extended infrastructural development to rural areas — ensuring that communities in Rano, Karaye, Gaya, and Bichi Emirates experienced tangible growth and government presence.
The creation of the four new emirates remains one of Ganduje’s most people-centered reforms, bringing governance and traditional leadership closer to grassroots communities. The move was widely celebrated for promoting inclusion, cultural revival, and administrative efficiency — a decision that many Kano residents still view as a bold and visionary step.
Critics now point out that Governor Yusuf’s administration has failed to match Ganduje’s foresight and administrative discipline. While the NNPP government blames its slow progress on alleged mismanagement by the previous administration, the realities on the ground suggest a lack of strategic focus and leadership depth.
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Kano’s development narrative, therefore, still bears Ganduje’s imprint — from urban transformation projects and economic empowerment programs to the state’s elevated status as a major investment destination in northern Nigeria. His emphasis on education, healthcare, and rural development has left footprints too visible to erase.
In the end, even as the NNPP administration seeks to rewrite history, Ganduje’s achievements continue to speak louder than the propaganda against him. His era remains the benchmark of modern governance in Kano — one defined by planning, execution, and tangible results.