The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, has clarified that the corruption case involving former governor Umar Ganduje remains in court and has not yet been concluded.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Waiya emphasized that Ganduje has not been convicted of any wrongdoing, stressing that the matter is still undergoing judicial review.
“As far as Nigeria’s legal system is concerned, accusations alone do not amount to guilt. What matters is a court’s final pronouncement,” Waiya said. “The allegations against Ganduje are still before the courts. Kano is evolving, and we are bringing everyone on board, including Ganduje. No court has found him guilty of any charge, and we respect the judicial process without interference.”
Meanwhile, Ganduje has indicated that he is open to reconciling with Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), despite their longstanding political rivalry.
The two-term former governor made the remark in an interview with the BBC, stating that his Islamic faith discourages permanent estrangement, even in politics.
“As a Muslim, is there anyone you would say you don’t want to reconcile with? This is politics. In the future, we hope to reconcile fully because we have shared a long political journey and remain brothers,” Ganduje said.
His comments come shortly after Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf defected from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that significantly altered the state’s political dynamics.
Describing Kwankwaso as a long-time political ally, Ganduje noted that both men have operated in the same political space for years.
“We are happy and excited about the governor’s defection. He is also pleased to be part of this arrangement,” Ganduje stated.
He added that political leadership positions are temporary and explained that the APC’s leadership structure would be determined through internal elections, from the ward level up to the national stage, by the end of February.
“When the time comes, we will see how everyone is represented in the party’s composition,” he said.
Acknowledging previous disagreements, Ganduje said the current political realignment represents a fresh beginning.
“Before now, we had our differences, but today we are united. We have put our issues behind us. Our focus now is how to deliver development to Kano State and achieve success for this party,” he said.
He stressed that governance is a collective responsibility, noting that success or failure would affect all stakeholders.
“If the government succeeds, we all succeed. If it fails, we all fail. That is why we must support the government to deliver results for the people,” he added.
Addressing speculation about an alleged 60–40 power-sharing agreement favoring the governor, Ganduje dismissed the claims, insisting that no formal arrangement exists.
“There has been no official communication or written agreement to that effect,” he said. “What we know is that this government was formed for the benefit of the people and to promote progress.”
He further suggested that any prior political advantages enjoyed by Yusuf within the NNPP may have changed following the realignment, but emphasized that the APC was not responsible for that shift.
“All we know is that a government has been formed that will work for the common people,” Ganduje concluded.
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