Abdullahi Ganduje, former governor of Kano, says the supreme court will decide the tussle pertaining to the Emir of Kano stool.
Ganduje, a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said his recent salutation of Muhammadu Sanusi II at a public event should not be “misconstrued” as an endorsement of his emirship.
During the swearing-in ceremony of a new Kano deputy governor on Tuesday, Ganduje publicly addressed Sanusi as the Emir of Kano and chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.
Ganduje’s recognition of Sanusi drew applause from dignitaries.
In March 2020, Ganduje deposed Sanusi as Emir of Kano “for total disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the governor”.
Afterwards, Aminu Bayero was appointed emir.
In May 2024, Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, announced the reinstatement of Sanusi, while dethroning Bayero.
The development sparked controversy with Bayero challenging his ouster.
Recently, the supreme court adjourned hearing on the emirship tussle to April 2027.
In January, Yusuf joined the APC from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Ganduje is an APC chieftain in Kano.
In a statement released by Muhammad Garba, former chief of staff to Ganduje, the ex-governor said his acknowledgement of Sanusi at the event was “simply an expression of respect in a public gathering”.
The former APC national chairman added that the emirship tussle will be decided by the apex court.
Ganduje said he has no legal authority to “endorse or reject any claimant to the emirship”.
“It is important to clarify that what happened was simply an expression of respect in a public gathering. It should not be misconstrued as an endorsement,” Ganduje said.
“The subsisting legal position recognises Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 14th Emir, pending the final judgment of the Supreme Court.
“The interpretation being given to the remark is clearly exaggerated. All parties should exercise restraint and await the Supreme Court judgment which is expected to be delivered in April next year.”
