Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano
Following a recent strategic gathering of key All-Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders at the residence of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in Kano, one observation stood out, although Ganduje himself was not physically present, the meeting sent a strong and unified message of total loyalty to his leadership. The stakeholders reaffirmed their full support for him as the undisputed political leader of the APC in Kano State and pledged their commitment to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid ahead of 2027.
Some observers had questioned the absence of Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, from the high-level meeting. However, political analysts quickly clarified that nearly all Kano APC political appointees, elected officials, and notable figures were in attendance. Only those with valid and verifiable reasons were absent, notably former Speaker Alhassan Ado Rurum and Rep. Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada, who were in London to pay a courtesy visit to Ganduje himself. More than 80 percent of current Kano APC members either worked directly under Ganduje or served with him closely during his tenure, making the show of solidarity not just political, but deeply personal.
As the APC continues to navigate internal alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, one truth is increasingly evident in Kano, the party’s resolute support for Ganduje remains unshaken. While outsiders may view this allegiance as predictable, those within the party describe it as rooted in a legacy of structure, empowerment, and political stewardship that continues to shape the APC’s direction statewide and across the Northwest.
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Dr. Ganduje, the immediate past Governor of Kano State and former National Chairman of the APC, is widely regarded as the pillar upon which the party stands in Kano. His political structure, the Gandujiyya Movement, is one of the most organized and far-reaching in the region, built on years of grassroots empowerment, deliberate political inclusiveness, and calculated strategy.
He is credited with solidifying the party’s fortunes during his time in office, especially during the challenging 2019 re-election, which he won despite intense opposition. Under his leadership, the APC retained legislative dominance in Kano, contributed major votes to presidential contests, and built influential alliances across the region. Even after leaving office in 2023, Ganduje remained instrumental in the party’s campaign messaging and grassroots mobilization particularly in Northern Nigeria during the emergence of President Tinubu.
Ganduje’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, his appointments of loyalists to positions of relevance, and his ability to carry party members along have all helped cement his legacy within the APC. From ward leaders to technocrats, many within the party view him as a father figure and political mentor.
Beyond Kano, Dr. Ganduje has maintained relevance at the national stage. As APC National Chairman, though briefly, he played a pivotal role in addressing party crises in key states, working to promote internal reconciliation and unity. His defence of Northern political interests during the build-up to the 2023 elections earned him further credibility within the region’s political elite.
Despite opposition from the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano, Ganduje remains the rallying point for APC loyalists across the state. His absence from public office has not diminished his influence, rather has amplified his stature as the party’s strategic thinker and silent kingmaker.
To Kano APC members, Ganduje is not just a former governor, but the engine behind the party’s survival and relevance. His loyalists continue to believe that the path to victory in 2027 lies in preserving his political structure and aligning with President Tinubu’s national agenda. The recent show of support from stakeholders reaffirms this belief.
Understanding why Kano APC stands behind Ganduje is to understand the values of loyalty, political structure, and consistent leadership. His name continues to resonate across wards, local governments, and federal circles. As preparations for 2027 begin to unfold, the Ganduje factor remains central not just in Kano, but in the North, and by extension, the country at large.
Umar Idris Shuaibu is a journalist and writes from Kano.
