Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has responded to remarks made by former presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, regarding their political relationship and history in Kano politics.

The exchange comes amid growing political rivalry and realignment ahead of future elections in Kano State.

Dissociate Yourself From PDP Presidential Candidacy – Wike’s Faction Tells Jonathan

Kwankwaso had earlier told supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano that several politicians who rose through his political structure could not deny being his political protégés.

During the gathering, Kwankwaso specifically mentioned Ganduje while insisting that many political figures in Kano benefited from his mentorship and political platform.

In response, Ganduje, through a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Muhammad Garba, argued that political growth is built on mutual support and mentorship.

The statement was reportedly released from Saudi Arabia, where Ganduje is currently observing the Hajj pilgrimage.

According to Ganduje, he also played a major role in Kwankwaso’s early political development.

He claimed to have supported Kwankwaso during his rise into the House of Representatives and his eventual emergence as Deputy Speaker.

“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 was quoted as saying.

The former APC chairman maintained that politics involves networks of support and that no politician succeeds entirely alone.

Ganduje also reflected on political developments in Kano State during 1998.

He stated that he won the governorship primary at the time but chose to step down in the interest of party unity before eventually serving as Kwankwaso’s deputy governor.

The remarks appear to reinforce the long-standing and complicated political relationship between the two influential Kano politicians.

Despite the exchange, Ganduje urged politicians and supporters to avoid divisive labels such as “godfather” or “political son.”

He argued that public attention should focus more on governance, leadership quality, and development rather than political superiority debates.

Speaking on Abba Yusuf, Ganduje acknowledged that the governor once served under him politically but stressed that Yusuf now deserves respect as the elected leader of Kano State.

The latest verbal exchange highlights the continuing rivalry between the camps of Ganduje and Kwankwaso, two of Kano’s most influential political figures over the past two decades.

Their political relationship has evolved from alliance to fierce competition, significantly shaping the political landscape of Kano State.

Observers believe the ongoing rivalry could continue to influence political alignments, party structures, and electoral calculations ahead of future elections in the state.