(DDM) — Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his predecessor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, have met for the first time since the highly contested 2023 gubernatorial election, marking a significant moment in Kano’s tense political atmosphere.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the two political figures came face-to-face on Tuesday at a public function in Abuja, where they exchanged brief pleasantries amid visible curiosity from attendees.
Their meeting comes months after a prolonged legal battle that saw the Supreme Court uphold Yusuf’s victory, ending a heated political rivalry that defined Kano’s political space in 2023.
Witnesses told DDM that both men maintained composure throughout the encounter, though the brief interaction drew attention from journalists and political observers eager to interpret the symbolism of their reunion.
Political analysts say the meeting could signal the beginning of a cautious reconciliation between the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, two blocs that have fiercely competed for influence in the state.
Governor Yusuf has repeatedly accused Ganduje’s administration of financial mismanagement and abuse of office, while Ganduje and his allies have described the allegations as politically motivated vendettas.
According to DDM findings, the event where they met was part of a national stakeholders’ gathering, which brought together current and former leaders to discuss governance reforms and intergovernmental collaboration.
Observers suggest that while no formal peace talks were confirmed, the handshake between Yusuf and Ganduje may open channels for dialogue, especially as both leaders face internal political pressures ahead of the 2027 elections.