Calling for my arrest baseless, political incompetent — Ganduje

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and immediate past Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has dismissed the Kano State government’s call for his arrest over alleged comments on forming a militia group, describing the allegation as reckless, baseless, and a sign of desperation and incompetence.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje said the move by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration reflects a failure of leadership and an attempt to divert attention from rising insecurity in Kano.

He accused the governor of neglecting communities plagued by attacks—including Bagwai, Shanono, and Tsanyawa—saying Yusuf has failed to visit victims or show empathy while residents live in fear.

“It is deeply unfortunate that instead of tackling the growing insecurity ravaging the state, Governor Yusuf prefers to chase shadows and look for scapegoats to hide his glaring failures,” the statement read.

“His absence during critical moments speaks volumes of his disconnect from the people he claims to govern.”

Ganduje maintained that he has never been associated with violence and noted that during his eight years as governor, Kano enjoyed sustained peace and stability, earning national recognition for security management—an achievement he said stands in sharp contrast to the current administration’s “ineptitude and lack of direction.”

The statement urged Governor Yusuf to focus on his constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property rather than engaging in political theatrics and issuing unsubstantiated accusations.

Ganduje added that true leadership is demonstrated through “purposeful action, responsibility, and compassion—not through press conferences and frivolous statements aimed at distracting the public from one’s failures.”