A group of concerned stakeholders in Kano State has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging attempts by the Presidency to pressure Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into appointing a deputy governor facing corruption charges.
In the letter dated April 7, 2026, and signed by Habib Musa Dawanan, the group described the alleged move as a “direct assault on the rule of law.” They warned that elevating someone already facing prosecution to such a high office could grant constitutional immunity and potentially stall ongoing legal proceedings.
The stakeholders claimed that the nominee being pushed by former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is a co-defendant in corruption cases initiated by the Kano State Government.
According to them, the situation reflects a “glaring double standard,” especially following the resignation of former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam over alleged corruption involving billions of naira.
They argued that appointing another official under investigation would damage the credibility of both the Kano State Government and the ruling party, while also undermining the anti-corruption stance of the current administration.
The group further warned of possible political consequences, noting that opposition forces are already positioning themselves ahead of future elections in the state.
“It appears to be a calculated attempt to secure backdoor immunity for the accused,” the letter stated, adding that such a move would “ridicule the office of the governor and compromise the integrity of the legislature.”
Drawing comparisons with ongoing federal investigations involving figures like Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai, the stakeholders called for consistency in the fight against corruption.
They urged the President to respect the independence of the state government and allow Governor Yusuf to freely choose his deputy, stressing that the integrity of governance and institutions must be protected.
