Kwankwaso’s ADC Move Won’t Threaten APC In Kano — Ganduje

Former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has dismissed concerns that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s recent move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could weaken the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, insisting the ruling party remains firmly in control.

Ganduje stated this in an interview with BBC Hausa Service, expressing confidence that the APC will retain the state’s governorship following the defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the party.

Addressing Kwankwaso’s move, Ganduje said, “Kwankwaso is like a bird moving from one branch to another, so he is not a threat to us at all. This signifies the end of his political career because he joined a party where everyone has the ambition to become president, and that is why it will not achieve its goal.”

He added, “They will keep fighting among themselves, but we in the APC have a structure that has attracted over 30 governors to join us without any threat because they believe in what the federal government is doing.”

On the defection of the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, to the ADC, Ganduje described the move as a personal decision consistent with democratic principles.

“The way I see democracy is that Gawuna has the right to make a choice, and as far as I am concerned, he did not betray anyone. That is the nature of politics, based on my understanding, so there is no quarrel with him at all. Most likely, he decided to move to Kwankwaso’s camp because he knows that now the governor is with us, he has no room to contest in the upcoming election. That might be why he decided to move to a place where his ambition can be fulfilled,” he said.

Ganduje also welcomed the confirmation of Murtala Sule Garo as deputy governor following the resignation of Aminu Abdullahi Gwarzo.

He said, “Murtala Sule Garo is a befitting candidate for the deputy governor’s seat. He is a seasoned politician, having held the ALGON position, served twice as a local government chairman, and as Commissioner for Local Government. This position is right for him because it requires a diligent, honest, and peaceful person. That is why I am happy he got this position.”