Abdullahi Umar Ganduje rejected Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s claim that he served as his political godson. The former Kano State governor and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress made the response on Friday.
He argued that political careers develop through mutual mentorship, sacrifice, support, and alliances rather than a one-sided master-servant dynamic.
Ganduje issued the statement while in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage. His Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba, released the remarks. Ganduje addressed recent comments by Kwankwaso, who had insisted that both Ganduje and Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf rose under his mentorship.
Ganduje countered the narrative directly. He stated that Kwankwaso himself benefited from his early support in politics.
Ganduje recalled that he bankrolled aspects of Kwankwaso’s early career. He won the 1998 governorship primary but stepped aside for Kwankwaso. Ganduje later served as Kwankwaso’s deputy governor for two terms. He described their ties as a partnership built on reciprocity.
Ganduje warned against distorting political history. He said politicians should avoid reducing long-standing relationships to “boy-master” labels that create division.
The former governor emphasised that politics involves give and take. He noted many leaders support each other at different stages of their journeys. Ganduje urged an end to claims that portray one person as superior.
This exchange highlighted ongoing tensions in Kano politics. It surfaced ahead of the 2027 elections as alliances shift and old rivalries resurface. Kwankwaso had made his comments while addressing supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano earlier in the week.
