Former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has stated that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was once his political protégé.
Ganduje made the assertion in a statement issued on Friday by his Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba, while he is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.
He noted that politics is rooted in relationships, support, and mentorship, stressing that most successful politicians benefited from the assistance of others at some stage of their careers.
According to him, he played a key role in Kwankwaso’s early political rise, particularly during his election into the House of Representatives and subsequent emergence as Deputy Speaker.
He said, “I also have the right to say Kwankwaso was once my political boy because I supported him and helped him rise to important positions.”
Ganduje further claimed that during his time working in Abuja and Kano, Kwankwaso frequently visited his offices to discuss political issues.
He urged politicians to avoid labels such as godfather or political son, calling instead for focus on leadership and public service delivery.
He also referenced the 1998 political developments in Kano, noting that he won the governorship primary but stepped down for unity and later became Kwankwaso’s deputy.
The former governor added that despite later political differences, both men worked together between 1999 and 2003 and again from 2011 to 2015 for the development of Kano State.
On Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Ganduje said although Yusuf once served under him, he now occupies the position of governor and deserves respect based on the office he holds.
He urged political actors and supporters in Kano to avoid statements capable of deepening division, and instead promote peace and unity in the state.
