Residents in shock as Galadima’s death unites APC, NNPP in Kano

The passing of Galadiman Kano, Abbas Sanusi, has left a significant mark on the political landscape of Kano State, bringing together political rivals who were previously at odds.

Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the longest-serving member of the Kano Emirate Council and its most senior councillor, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at the age of 92, after a prolonged illness.

Among those who gathered at the funeral were the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, Abdullahi Abbas, who is the son of the deceased, and the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin. Also present was the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, who was the first to file a lawsuit against the dissolution of the Kano Emirate and the removal of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero—a case that remains unresolved. Another notable figure present was Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, a key APC leader.

On the other side were political figures including former Governor and NNPP leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, his deputy Aminu Abdussalam, and the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, at whose residence the funeral prayers were conducted.

Previously, these two opposing factions had been engaged in intense political and traditional disputes in Kano, especially after the fallout between former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his former deputy, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who is now the National Chairman of the APC.

In a brief speech by the Kano APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, he thanked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for being there, “Indeed, I have been shown great generosity by the Kano State government, His Excellency the Governor, his Deputy, and other government officials. I sincerely appreciate it. May Allah preserve our bond.”

Some Kano residents who spoke to DAILY POST expressed surprise at how these bitter political rivals came together peacefully.

“I was shocked to see Abdullahi Abbas and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf conversing respectfully. I hope this unity lasts for the progress of Kano State,” said a young man, Ibrahim Sa’id, who attended the funeral.

However, some youths blame the political crises in Kano on the two former governors of the state.

“I would love to see reconciliation and unity between Kwankwaso and Ganduje. These two individuals are the main problem of Kano politics, and as long as they do not unite, we will never progress,” said a man who simply identified himself as Usman.

Similarly, an NNPP supporter who requested anonymity stated, “I never expected these people to come together again for any reason. Even though I doubt this unity will last, it serves as a lesson for supporters who take political rivalries too seriously.”

A viral video circulating on social media seen by DAILY POST showed Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, offering prayers and blessings to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf while holding his hand.

Political analysts see the death of Galadiman Kano, Abbas Sanusi, as a unique moment in the history of Kano’s politics, as it momentarily united long-standing political adversaries.