Kano is heating up again, and this time the political firestorm sits right at the crossroads of security, power, and reputation management. The state government has thrown down a bold challenge—calling for the arrest of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin over allegations that their recent statements could fuel insecurity and support the creation of an illegal religious police force, “Khairul Nas.”
According to the state’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, the remarks made by both men were “inciting” and “reckless,” potentially undermining the state’s efforts to manage rising security threats. The government says the timing of their comments is suspicious—claiming that within 48 hours, bandits infiltrated some border communities, raising fears that the remarks may not have been innocent after all.
Waiya explained that the state acknowledges President Tinubu’s support in tackling insecurity, making it even more troubling, in their view, that prominent figures would issue statements that could jeopardize ongoing efforts. He stressed that Kano’s State Executive Council is urging security agencies to immediately investigate and arrest the former governor for allegedly attempting to establish an unauthorized militia group.
But Ganduje isn’t taking the punches quietly. Through his spokesperson, Edwin Olofu, the former governor dismissed the call for his arrest as “reckless, baseless,” and a product of desperation. He accused Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of running from his responsibilities and using him as a scapegoat to hide failures—especially in the face of attacks plaguing local communities such as Bagwai, Shanono, and Tsanyawa.
Ganduje insisted he maintained security throughout his eight-year tenure and has never been linked with violence. He argued that the sitting governor has failed to demonstrate leadership or compassion during moments of crisis, claiming Yusuf hasn’t visited victimized communities nor shown sympathy.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin also came out swinging. His media office described the allegations as “false, reckless, and malicious”—a deliberate attempt, they say, to stain his growing reputation. Barau denied ever making statements that could weaken security efforts and challenged the Kano government to produce evidence of such remarks.
He went further, pointing out that Kano used to be one of Nigeria’s most prosperous states before, in his words, “misgovernance eroded this progress.” He urged the governor to face his duties, not manufacture accusations. His camp highlighted his own contributions to strengthening security—ranging from vehicles and motorcycles to police infrastructure support and training initiatives.
Political tension in Kano is clearly on overdrive. With accusations flying, security threats rising, and two heavyweight politicians trading blows with the state government, Kano’s leadership crisis is now spilling into the national spotlight.
As both sides double down, one thing is clear: this clash isn’t just about statements—it’s about power, credibility, and who gets to control the narrative in a state that has always stood tall in Nigeria’s political arena.