As Nigeria steadily approaches the 2027 general elections, one political figure whose influence remains undiminished is Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former two-term Governor of Kano State.
For those underestimating Ganduje’s relevance especially those attempting to create room for Kano opposition elements within the ruling party, it is important to note that success in the political terrain of Kano is difficult, if not impossible, without engaging his deep-rooted network and vast political capital.
Ganduje’s name commands respect across the four corners of Kano State. His brand of politics of calm, calculated, and people-centered has built a lasting political structure that continues to influence appointments, policies, and alliances within and beyond the state.
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While party politics welcomes new entrants for the sake of expansion, it must not neglect foundational pillars of the party. Even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his recent remarks, did not conclude without acknowledging Ganduje’s efforts in strengthening the APC, particularly through the establishment of the Progressive Institute.
Dr. Ganduje’s leadership legacy is now visibly extending through his children and long-time loyalists. Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, currently serving as Executive Director at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), is increasingly recognized for his quiet but effective leadership. Calm in delivery and precise in focus, many view him as a natural heir to Baba Ganduje’s legacy. His ability to remain focused, deliver results, and build consensus mirrors the very traits that defined his father’s political success.
Similarly, Dr. Asiya Ganduje has emerged as a rising force in public service. Her recent appointment as a Director in the Northwest Development Commission (NWDC) has further confirmed her credentials. Known among colleagues for her intellectual sharpness and administrative skill, many who have worked with her testify that “she is more than ten in terms of capacity.”
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Beyond the family, Ganduje’s influence is evident in the growth of individuals he mentored into public prominence. Dr. Sanusi Sa’id Kiru, who currently holds the position of Director of Training and Programmes at the Progressive Institute in Abuja, is a product of this mentorship. Likewise, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, continues to reflect the discipline and commitment instilled by Ganduje’s school of political grooming.
What distinguishes Ganduje is not just the power he holds, but the way he uses it is to empower others, to create opportunities, and to leave a legacy rooted in capacity-building. He is one of the few political figures whose success is measured not only by personal accomplishments but also by the achievements of those he has nurtured.
As the nation heads toward the next general election, Ganduje’s political relevance remains intact. His name echoes in every corner of Kano’s political sphere and continues to command loyalty across different strata of governance. With his children and protégés steadily climbing the ladder, Ganduje’s legacy is not only alive but evolving.
Umar Idris Shuaibu writes from Kano.
