There was a dramatic moment at the Ante-Chamber of the Kano State Government House on Tuesday when former Kano State Governor and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, publicly recognised Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano.
Ganduje made the acknowledgement during the swearing-in ceremony of Hon. Murtala Sule Garo as the new Deputy Governor of Kano State.
The development came as a surprise to many, given the long-running Kano emirship dispute and Ganduje’s role in Sanusi’s removal from the throne in 2020.
Recall that Ganduje, while serving as governor of Kano State, dethroned Sanusi as Emir of Kano in 2020 and installed Aminu Ado Bayero, the first son of the late Emir Abdullahi Ado Bayero, as his replacement.
However, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf restored Sanusi to the throne after assuming office in 2023.
Ado Bayero has since rejected his removal, leading to a legal battle over the Kano emirship, which is still pending before the Supreme Court.
Against this backdrop, Ganduje’s recognition of Sanusi as Emir of Kano on Tuesday came as a major surprise to observers and political watchers.
Ganduje and Sanusi were also seen openly exchanging pleasantries at the Government House during the event.
Both men were among dignitaries and guests who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Sule Garo as the new Deputy Governor of Kano State.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf witnessed the ceremony, which was attended by top government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, party stakeholders and other dignitaries.
The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki.
Also present at the event were former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
The public exchange between Ganduje and Sanusi is likely to attract further political attention, given the pending legal dispute over the Kano emirship and the historical tension between both men.