Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has responded to comments made by Senator Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, who referred to Ganduje as his political godson. In a swift reaction, Ganduje insisted that political relationships should not be reduced to descriptions like 'boy-master,' adding that Kwankwaso had once served under his custody.
Ganduje's Statement
In a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba, Ganduje emphasized that political success is often shaped by mentorship, alliances, and support from others. He noted that most politicians have benefited from assistance at different stages of their careers. The statement maintained that Ganduje played a significant role in Kwankwaso's early political journey, particularly during the National Assembly election that led to his emergence as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“At that time, Ganduje could confidently have referred to Kwankwaso as his political boy, having supported him morally, financially, and stood by him during that period,” the statement said.
Historical Context
The release recalled that before their rise in politics, Kwankwaso frequently visited Ganduje while he served as a senior civil servant in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and later as Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transport in Kano State. “It is therefore unnecessary and immaterial for leaders to introduce such narratives into contemporary political discussions, especially at a time when citizens expect attention to be focused on governance and progressive politics,” the statement added.
Ganduje further reflected on the 1998 governorship primaries in Kano State, claiming that many stakeholders believed he won the contest before party leaders persuaded him to step down for the sake of unity and accept the deputy governorship position alongside Kwankwaso. Despite past political disagreements, the statement noted that both men later worked together successfully between 1999 and 2003, and again from 2011 to 2015, in what it described as a productive political partnership dedicated to Kano State's development.
Appeal for Respect
The former APC chairman also referenced Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, noting that although he once served as Kwankwaso's Personal Assistant, he is now the elected governor of Kano State and should be accorded due respect by all political actors. “Politics should not be about who is superior to the other. A father can nurture a child who eventually becomes greater in status and influence. That is the natural progression of leadership and human relationships,” the statement quoted Ganduje as saying.
Ganduje appealed to political leaders in Kano State to avoid inflammatory comments capable of deepening divisions and instead focus on promoting peace, unity, and development. He also urged supporters across party lines to remain calm and refrain from escalating tensions arising from recent exchanges among political leaders in the state.
Background
Ganduje's counter-reaction was triggered by Kwankwaso's recent outburst, where he described Ganduje as his political godson. While addressing his political loyalists at his Miller Road residence, Kwankwaso said, “If not for my low profile, can Ganduje deny that he's not my political boy?”
