News
Gov Yusuf’s spokesperson, Bature, claims that Ganduje is scheming to have him arrested.
Recent developments in Kano State have drawn attention to the ongoing political tensions between key figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC). Mallam Sunusi Bature, the Director General of Information and Communication for Kano State, has made serious allegations against Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC. Bature claims that Ganduje conspired to deploy 46 armed security personnel with the intent of arresting him. The motives behind this alleged action seem to stem from Bature’s reported involvement in Ganduje’s suspension at the party’s ward level.
In a significant legal response, a Kano High Court issued an ex-parte order on December 12, 2024, which restrains the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies from arresting Bature. This decision came after Ganduje accused Bature of orchestrating his purported suspension, a charge Bature’s legal team vehemently contests as an effort to intimidate him and undermine his official duties.
The court’s ruling aims to protect Bature’s fundamental rights, prohibiting any actions against him that could infringe upon his liberty and dignity. Notably, the directive extends to several high-ranking police officials, underscoring the judicial system’s role in mediating political disputes.
Underlying this confrontation are deeper political rivalries, particularly the enduring power struggle between Ganduje and former governor Musa Kwankwaso, compounded by tensions with the current governor, Abba Yusuf. Bature’s legal team argues that the current situation is a politically motivated maneuver targeted at discrediting him.
This conflict traces back to 2015, when Ganduje allegedly sought Bature’s arrest for opposing him during his gubernatorial campaign. With Ganduje reporting to the IGP that Bature played a key role in his suspension, a swift response followed, mobilizing police units to effectuate the alleged arrest.
As the political landscape in Kano continues to evolve, the judiciary’s role in safeguarding the rights of public officials becomes increasingly crucial. The next court hearing, scheduled for January 22, 2025, will likely provide further insights into this intricate saga of political maneuvering and legal challenges.