Following years of tension surrounding the Kano Emirate, the family of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has now openly aligned with Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, recognizing him as the Emir of Kano.
In a significant gesture, Ganduje’s first nephew, Alhaji Jamilu Sani Umar, was presented to Emir Sanusi for turbaning as the Village Head of Ganduje in Dawakin-Tofa Local Government Area.
The event took place at the Kofar Kudu Palace and drew a massive turnout from the Ganduje community, who used the occasion to reaffirm their allegiance to Sanusi.
This move appears to signal a decisive shift away from the family’s earlier loyalty to dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero.
In 2020, under Ganduje’s administration as Governor of Kano, the same family had supported the controversial dethronement of Sanusi.
Notably, the former Village Head of Ganduje, Alhaji Sani Ganduje, also removed under the prior administration, had publicly contested the legitimacy of his ouster, adding to the rift between the Gandujes and Sanusi loyalists.
Despite past grievances, sources indicate that Emir Sanusi chose to put aside any resentment, accepting Alhaji Jamilu Sani Ganduje as the new Village Head without hesitation.
Although Dr. Ganduje was not physically present at the event, insiders confirmed that he personally facilitated the participation of a high-powered delegation from Ganduje at the ceremony, signaling his indirect endorsement of Sanusi’s authority.
Public affairs analyst, Alhaji Bashir Gentle, praised Emir Sanusi’s gesture, calling it an act of maturity and reconciliation.
“Emir Sanusi has demonstrated wisdom and knowledge. He has proved he is worthy of character who does not pay back with evil. Emir Sanusi has reflected the true spirit of forgiveness and accepted destiny as it unfolds,” Gentle said.
He also suggested that Ganduje’s actions signal a strategic political shift.
“Khalifa could have rejected the nomination of Ganduje’s nephew to pay back with evil. But he has chosen to surrender to the will of God and accepted the nomination of Ganduje himself.”
“The question many would now ask Ganduje is, why has he decided to send the nominee to Emir Sanusi for endorsement, if he does not accept him as Emir of Kano? Why would he (Ganduje) choose to ignore the person they have been supporting Aminu Ado Bayero this time?” he queried.