FORMER National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has expressed readiness to reconcile with his former political ally and long-time rival, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, signaling a possible end to years of political tension in Kano State.
Ganduje made the disclosure during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday monitored by News Point Nigeria, where he said ongoing political realignments in the state have created an opportunity for unity and cooperation among key stakeholders.
“I am hoping that very soon we will reconcile with Kwankwaso so that we can move forward together. We have been in the same political camp in the past, and we are still brothers,” Ganduje said.
According to the former Kano State governor, his current priority is the progress and stability of Kano State, alongside ensuring electoral success for the APC, rather than sustaining political rivalries that could undermine governance.
Ganduje said the evolving political landscape in Kano has effectively ended the era of factional politics and personal feuds, stressing that cooperation among political leaders was essential for effective governance.
“With the current realignment, there is no longer politics of rivalry in Kano. Our focus is on delivering good governance to the people,” he said.
He added that the success of the state government should be seen as a collective responsibility, regardless of political affiliations.
“If Abba succeeds, we all succeed; and if we succeed, he also succeeds. It is better for all of us to understand this so that the government can succeed,” Ganduje stated.
The former APC chairman also noted that his experience leading the ruling party at the national level had equipped him with a deeper understanding of conflict resolution, internal party democracy, and the importance of cohesion for political stability.
Responding to questions on the political future of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf within the APC, Ganduje said he was guided by the party’s constitution and long-standing traditions.
“I understand the workings of the party. There are rules, and there are traditions. The tradition of the party is that a sitting governor is given the right of first refusal, but this does not apply to other positions,” he explained.
