A fresh wave of political tension is sweeping through Kano after the State Executive Council called for the immediate arrest of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje over what it described as “inciting statements” and an alleged plan to set up an illegal militia group.
The resolution followed the council’s 34th meeting, with the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, announcing the government’s position. He said the state could not afford comments or actions capable of endangering peace, especially at a time when communities are already battling insecurity.
But Ganduje fired back.
Through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, the former governor dismissed the accusation as reckless, baseless, and a sign of incompetence, insisting that the Abba Yusuf administration had abandoned real governance for political drama. He accused the government of failing to address security concerns in communities like Bagwai, Shanono, and Tsanyawa, which he said were living in fear.
Kano Government: “His Words Were Dangerous”
Waiya insisted Ganduje’s recent comments—especially the claim that Kano was vulnerable to banditry and the mention of recruiting 12,000 people into a proposed religious police outfit called Khairul Nas—were inflammatory.
According to him, the remarks came just hours before bandits infiltrated border communities, raising concern that the statements might have been premeditated or linked to the attack.
He said the state government found the comments not only irresponsible but potentially destabilizing.
The council, he noted, reaffirmed its appreciation to the Federal Government and security agencies for their ongoing support, stressing that no public figure should make statements capable of igniting unrest.
Ganduje: “They Are Chasing Shadows”
Ganduje insisted that the administration should focus on citizens who urgently need attention rather than hunting for scapegoats.
“It is deeply unfortunate that rather than addressing the escalating insecurity ravaging the state, Governor Yusuf has chosen to chase shadows,” he said.
Barau to Kano Government: “Don’t Politicize Insecurity”
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin also pushed back against the allegations.
In a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, Barau said insecurity in the country requires collaboration, not political point-scoring.
He challenged the Kano government to present evidence of any statement he made that could undermine security, accusing them of spreading false and malicious claims.
Barau urged the governor to concentrate on solving the problems facing the state instead of playing politics with a sensitive issue.