The Kano State Government has called for the arrest of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, linking recent bandit attacks in the state to his statements about establishing a militia group.
Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the State Commissioner for Information, made the demand on Friday during a press briefing following the state executive council meeting.
Waiya alleged that bandits infiltrated Kano communities and abducted multiple residents less than 48 hours after Ganduje publicly spoke about creating a militia group in the state.
“Less than 48 hours of former Governor Ganduje’s outburst of wanting to create a militia group in the state, bandits infiltrated a Kano community and abducted several people,” the commissioner stated.
While calling for Ganduje’s arrest, Waiya acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to ensure the security of lives and property of Kano citizens.
The allegations come amid ongoing political tensions in Kano State, where Ganduje, now National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has maintained an active presence in state politics despite no longer holding the governorship.
Recently, Ganduje announced that APC leaders in Kano State had resolved to begin public endorsements of President Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the conclusion of a four-day strategy meeting held at his Kano residence, which brought together APC chairmen, caucus members, and key stakeholders from all 44 local government areas, Ganduje emphasized party unity.
“The purpose of this meeting over the last three days has been to ensure complete unity in our party from top to bottom and to reaffirm our solidarity with the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Ganduje described the consultations as necessary for rebuilding trust within the party and strengthening internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.
He noted that the turnout and commitment shown by delegates from across the state demonstrated their determination to maintain APC dominance in Kano and nationally.
The Kano State Government’s demand for Ganduje’s arrest represents a significant escalation in the political rivalry between the current administration and the former governor, who continues to wield considerable influence in the state through his position as APC National Chairman.
