Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje, have reportedly held a closed-door meeting in Abuja in the early hours of Wednesday, in a move seen as part of efforts to address mounting political tensions in the state.
Sources familiar with the development said the meeting was convened to deliberate on a range of sensitive issues, including ongoing defections within party ranks, the lingering emirship dispute, and the unresolved matter of the deputy governorship position.
The meeting followed earlier consultations between Ganduje and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during which the former governor reportedly briefed the president on recent political developments in Kano, particularly the defection of former APC governorship candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, and concerns over further potential defections.
According to insiders, Ganduje expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as inadequate consultation by the presidency on party affairs in Kano, a situation he reportedly blamed for deepening internal cracks within the political structure in the state.
During the engagement with the president, Tinubu was said to have suggested a possible ministerial appointment for Gawuna in an attempt to manage the fallout. However, Ganduje reportedly noted that the move came too late, as Gawuna had already defected to the African Democratic Congress.
The emirship tussle in Kano also featured prominently in the discussions, with Ganduje said to have thrown his weight behind Aminu Bayero’s claim to the throne, urging for a swift resolution of the dispute to prevent further political complications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On the issue of the vacant deputy governorship seat, Ganduje was reported to have reiterated his preference for Murtala Garo, arguing that his appointment could help stabilise the political landscape, strengthen party cohesion, and limit the wave of defections currently affecting the state.
Following the meeting with Ganduje, President Tinubu was said to have advised that both Ganduje and Governor Yusuf engage directly to find common ground on the contentious issues.
Subsequently, Governor Yusuf reportedly arrived at Ganduje’s residence on Haile Selassie Street in Asokoro, Abuja, at about 1 a.m., accompanied by his son, Al-Amin, and a close political associate, Mohammed Jamu.
The governor was received into the residence by Ganduje’s aides, including his protocol officer, Adamu Unguwar Gini, alongside a former presidential aide, Nasiru Ja’oji. A federal lawmaker representing Bichi Constituency, Abubakar Bichi, was also said to have joined the meeting at a later stage.
Sources said discussions during the meeting focused largely on halting the growing wave of defections and addressing internal divisions that have continued to shape the political landscape in Kano.
The long-standing emirship dispute, involving rival claims by Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Bayero, was also said to have been extensively discussed, with both sides acknowledging the need for a resolution to prevent further escalation.
On the deputy governorship issue, Ganduje reportedly advised Governor Yusuf to consider appointing Murtala Garo, suggesting that such a move could help restore balance within the political structure and strengthen the party ahead of future electoral contests.
However, the governor was said to have responded cautiously, requesting time to consult with key stakeholders before making any final decision on the matter.
The meeting reportedly lasted for over an hour, ending at about 2:40 a.m., with both parties agreeing on the need for continued dialogue as efforts intensify to resolve the political challenges facing Kano State.
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