Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has rejected calls for his arrest by the Kano State government, describing the demand as irresponsible and diversionary.
The Kano State government had demanded Ganduje’s arrest, alleging that bandit attacks and abductions in the state occurred less than 48 hours after the former governor made statements about establishing a militia group in Kano.
Responding through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje accused Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of prioritizing political distractions over addressing the state’s deteriorating security situation.
“It is deeply unfortunate that rather than addressing the escalating insecurity ravaging the state, Governor Yusuf has chosen to chase shadows while searching for scapegoats to conceal his glaring failures,” the statement read.
Ganduje pointed to repeated attacks on communities in Bagwai, Shanono, Tsanyawa, and other areas, criticizing the governor for failing to visit affected communities or express empathy toward victims.
“His continued absence in moments that require leadership speaks volumes of his disconnect from the people he claims to serve,” the statement added.
The former governor maintained that he has never been associated with violence or linked to any actions that compromise peace and stability in Kano State.
He characterized the allegations as politically motivated attempts to distract the public from the government’s security failures.
Ganduje urged Governor Yusuf to focus on fulfilling his constitutional responsibility of protecting Kano residents rather than engaging in what he termed “political theatrics and issuing unfounded allegations.”
The exchange represents the latest escalation in tensions between Ganduje, who now serves as APC National Chairman, and the current Kano State administration led by Governor Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
The political rivalry between both camps has intensified amid growing security concerns in Kano State, with banditry and kidnapping incidents becoming increasingly frequent in several local government areas.
