Kano’s often tense political environment recorded an unusual moment of calm on Tuesday when Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his predecessor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, met briefly at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport—their first encounter since the fiercely contested 2023 elections.
The cordial exchange, marked by smiles and handshakes, has been widely interpreted by party stakeholders as a sign that entrenched rivalries may be giving way to dialogue.
Speaking to Arewa PUNCH, Alhassan Garba Yaryasa, a senior APC chieftain and former Tinubu campaign coordinator in Kano South, described the meeting as an answered prayer.
“I have been praying for this moment for a long time,” he said. “Kano politics has seen tension and rivalry, but today’s interaction is reassuring. It shows that political contests do not have to create permanent enemies.”
According to Yaryasa, the meeting signifies the political maturity Kano urgently needs.
“Kano faces major challenges—security, infrastructure, education, health. Rivalries should not obstruct progress,” he added. “Both leaders have influence and experience that can benefit the state if channelled constructively.”
Mustapha Muhammad Bello, Senior Special Reporter to the Governor at the Deputy Governor’s Office, also hailed the encounter as a mark of wisdom and statesmanship.
“It is historic not because of how long it lasted, but because of what it represents,” Bello noted. “When leaders meet amicably, it sets a precedent for cooperation and a shared commitment to public welfare.”
He added that the show of mutual respect offers an important lesson to younger politicians.
“Our politics sometimes exaggerates conflict, but today proves that rivalry does not have to become hostility,” Bello said.
The meeting occurred while Ganduje, currently Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Board, was inspecting airport facilities. Governor Yusuf was on his way to Abuja when the two leaders crossed paths.
Ganduje arrived with top APC officials, while Yusuf was accompanied by senior aides. Their warm interaction lasted several minutes—an unusual development considering that Ganduje did not personally hand over power in 2023, delegating the duty to his then Secretary to the State Government.
Governor Yusuf had defeated Ganduje’s preferred candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the APC, in the tightly contested election.
Political analysts believe Tuesday’s encounter could ease tensions between supporters of the rival parties and encourage more stable governance.
“It may have been brief, but the symbolism is powerful,” said political commentator Dr. Ahmed Shehu. “It shows that even past opponents can engage constructively for the progress of the state.”