The political landscape in Kano State witnessed a rare moment of conciliation on Tuesday as sitting Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his predecessor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, crossed paths for the first time since the heated 2023 elections.
The brief yet cordial encounter, which took place at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, has been widely interpreted by party stalwarts as a sign that longstanding rivalries may be giving way to dialogue and cooperation.
Speaking to our correspondent, Alhassan Garba Yaryasa, a senior APC chieftain and former Tinubu campaign coordinator in Kano South, said he had long prayed for such a meeting.
“I have been praying for this moment for a long time,” Yaryasa said.
The politics of Kano has sometimes been characterised by tension and rivalry, but seeing both leaders meet cordially today is reassuring. It is a demonstration that political contests should not create permanent animosity.”
He added that the encounter was more than a courtesy visit. “This is symbolic of the kind of political maturity we need in Kano,” Yaryasa continued.
“It sends a strong message to all party members, legislators, and stakeholders that we can set aside differences for the greater good of our people.
“I was not surprised by this meeting because I have always believed in dialogue and reconciliation.
“Politics is ultimately about service to the citizens, not personal grudges or vendettas. This is an example that other political actors should emulate,” he maintained.
Yaryasa, who also stressed the practical significance of the meeting, noted: “Kano has pressing developmental challenges—security, infrastructure, education, health—and political rivalry should not stand in the way of addressing these issues.”
According to him, both Governor Yusuf and former Governor Ganduje have influence and experience that, if harnessed constructively, can benefit the state.
He described the meeting as a signal that collaboration is possible, even among former opponents.
Similarly, Mustapha Muhammad Bello, Senior Special Reporter to the Governor at the Deputy Governor’s Office, described the encounter as a sign of political wisdom and maturity.
“This is an important moment in Kano politics,” Bello said.
