Ganduje's Renewed Plot to Dethrone Emir Muhammad Sanusi II: Political Maneuvering Intensifies
By Wisdom Tide
September 17, 2024
A fresh attempt to dethrone Muhammad Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano Council of Chiefs, has emerged. The plot, allegedly led by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is aimed at permanently removing Sanusi from his position, POLITICS NIGERIA reports.
Ganduje's Political Ambition and Long-standing Rivalry
Sources within the Kofar Kudu Palace suggest that Ganduje’s primary objective is to gain President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support in his bid to oust the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor. In addition to targeting Sanusi, Ganduje is reportedly pressuring former Emir Aminu Ado Bayero to step down, under the pretext of resolving leadership disputes within the Kano Emirate.
This latest maneuver reflects Ganduje's long-standing animosity toward Emir Sanusi, a relationship that soured publicly in 2020 when Ganduje played a pivotal role in the emir’s controversial removal from office. Ganduje, having assembled a loyal coalition of influential Kano APC members, appears determined to complete the mission he started years ago.
Coalition of Support: Political and Business Backing
According to well-placed sources, Ganduje’s coalition includes a network of key Kano APC members, business moguls, traders, and other stakeholders who are aligned with his agenda. These individuals, known for their loyalty to Ganduje, are actively working to persuade President Tinubu to intervene in the matter, thus enabling Ganduje to exert control over the emirate.
“Their objective is bold and clear: to convince the President to support the removal of Emir Sanusi,” a source disclosed. The plot is presented as a move to restore peace in the Kano Emirate, but insiders argue that Ganduje’s true intention is to solidify his influence over the traditional institution, which has historically resisted his political dominance.
Disguised as a Leadership Dispute
The ongoing power struggle in the Kano Emirate has seen Ganduje seek not only the removal of Emir Sanusi but also the resignation of Aminu Ado Bayero, a figure seen as more compliant with the state’s political leadership. The reasoning behind this push is ostensibly to resolve the state’s leadership crisis, yet observers believe Ganduje's motivations are far from altruistic.
By using the rhetoric of "restoring peace," Ganduje is strategically framing his actions to appear as a solution to the emirate’s leadership tensions. However, his past attempts to undermine Emir Sanusi, as well as his involvement in Sanusi’s 2020 deposition, point to a personal agenda aimed at consolidating power within the state.
Leveraging Presidential Power for a Final Move
In his latest move, Ganduje seeks to leverage the authority of President Tinubu to finalize Emir Sanusi's removal. This strategy represents a significant escalation in Ganduje's efforts to control the Kano Emirate, a bastion of resistance to his political ambitions. By enlisting high-profile business leaders and political figures in Kano, Ganduje has crafted a strong delegation of supporters to back his case.
While the Kano State Government has consistently recognized Emir Sanusi as the legitimate ruler, powerful politicians and businessmen aligned with the APC and the presidency continue to back Aminu Ado Bayero. This division within the emirate has fueled Ganduje’s push to gain complete control.
A Legacy of Power Struggles
This latest plot marks a continuation of Ganduje’s long-standing campaign against Emir Sanusi, with the former governor now using his position as APC National Chairman to advance his goals. By seeking President Tinubu's support, Ganduje aims to finish what he started, ensuring that Sanusi’s removal is permanent. The addition of pressure on Bayero to resign suggests that Ganduje's ambitions extend beyond simply settling leadership disputes; he is intent on reshaping the political landscape of the Kano Emirate for years to come.
As this power struggle unfolds, the future of the Kano Emirate hangs in the balance, with the traditional institution caught in the crossfire of political maneuvering and personal vendettas. Whether Ganduje will succeed in his latest attempt remains to be seen, but the implications for Kano’s political and cultural landscape are profound.
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