By Mo. Hanif
The embers of controversy surrounding Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the former Governor of Kano State and the current National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), refuse to die down. Despite his rise to the pinnacle of political leadership, the shadow of bribery allegations continues to haunt his career, sparking heated public discourse and raising critical questions about accountability and justice.
Ganduje first found himself embroiled in scandal in 2018, when explosive videos allegedly showed him receiving wads of dollars from contractors as kickbacks. While he has consistently maintained that the footage was doctored, recent developments suggest otherwise. In July 2023, the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, under Chairman Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, affirmed the authenticity of the controversial videos after forensic analysis. Rimingado’s damning statement declared that the tapes were genuine and had irreparably stained Kano State's reputation.
But the drama doesn’t end there. In November 2024, a coalition of 51 anti-corruption organizations, operating under the National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA), filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding Ganduje’s arrest and prosecution. The coalition accused him of diverting a staggering ₦57.43 billion earmarked for Kano's 44 local government areas during his tenure. These funds were allegedly funneled into luxury real estate acquisitions both in Nigeria and abroad, further deepening suspicions of mismanagement and corruption.
Despite the growing pile of evidence and public outcry, Ganduje has yet to face trial. His silence, coupled with the lack of legal action, has only amplified calls for accountability. Critics argue that his current role as APC Chairman has offered him a shield of immunity, further delaying justice.
This saga has become a test of the nation's anti-corruption efforts and the integrity of its institutions. As the year progresses, all eyes remain on the EFCC and the judiciary to see if the wheels of justice will finally turn or if this dark chapter will remain indefinitely open.
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