Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past governor of Kano State and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), remains one of Nigeria’s most battle-tested politicians. From his early days as a grassroots mobilizer to his rise as governor and later national leader of the ruling party, Ganduje has weathered storms that could have ended the careers of many others.
Today, as fresh allegations over the ownership of the Dala Inland Dry Port dominate headlines, Ganduje once again finds himself at the center of controversy. Yet for many who have followed his political journey, this is nothing new. Ganduje has always been tested, and time and again, he has emerged stronger.
The Dry Port Allegations: Politics or Governance?
Recent reports allege that Ganduje transferred Kano State’s 20 percent equity in the Dala Inland Dry Port to private interests, including his children. But his supporters dismiss the claims as politically motivated, pointing out that due process was followed and that the facility—long neglected by successive administrations—only became operational after Ganduje’s intervention.
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“The truth is simple: without Ganduje, that port would still be abandoned land,” an ally remarked. “He provided the roads, water, electricity, and security that turned it into a reality. That is leadership, not politics.”
NNPP’s Strategy: Tarnish Ganduje, Deflect Criticism
Since taking office in 2023, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the NNPP have made probes into Ganduje a central theme of their administration. To many in Kano, this reflects a deliberate effort to weaken Ganduje’s influence rather than deliver governance.
Observers also point to the much-publicized ₦6 billion scandal involving Protocol Officer Abdullahi Rogo—an aide under the NNPP administration—as an example of selective accountability. “They are desperate to drag Ganduje’s name through the mud while scandals under their watch are quietly overlooked,” a political analyst said.
Ganduje’s Record vs. Current Realities
Ganduje’s eight years in office are remembered for major infrastructural and social investments. His administration constructed roads and flyovers, expanded schools and hospitals, invested in housing estates, and introduced modern settlements to address the herders-farmers crisis.
By contrast, critics argue that the NNPP government has focused more on demolitions, probes, and political vendettas than tangible development. “Two years in, they cannot point to signature projects,” a loyalist argued. “The people were promised transformation, but what they see is endless excuses.”
Strength in Adversity
What sets Ganduje apart is not only his governance record but his ability to endure political storms. Despite repeated attempts to discredit him, he remains a formidable political figure in Kano and across Nigeria. His elevation to APC National Chairman after leaving office underscored the confidence his party placed in his political skills and stabilizing influence.
“Ganduje is a master of survival,” said one APC stalwart. “Every attack seems to reinforce his relevance. He remains calm, strategic, and resilient. That is why he is still standing tall while many of his rivals fade away.”
The Bigger Picture
The clash between Ganduje and the NNPP administration goes beyond the dry port—it is ultimately a battle over legacy. For Ganduje, his record of roads, hospitals, schools, and functional projects speaks louder than allegations. For his critics, unproven accusations remain the preferred weapon.
But if history is a guide, Ganduje has shown an uncanny ability to outlast political storms. His resilience, networks, and governance record continue to ensure his place in Kano’s political story.
As one supporter put it: “They may try to bury him with allegations, but Ganduje has planted too many seeds of progress for his legacy to be erased.”
