By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: Some concerned stakeholders in Kano State have written President Bola Tinubu, alleging attempts by some persons to use the Presidency in pressuring Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into appointing a deputy governor facing serious corruption allegations.

In an open letter to the president dated April 7, 2026 and signed by Habib Musa Dawanan, the group described the reported move as a “direct assault on the rule of law,” warning that elevating an embattled individual to the number two position in the state would effectively grant constitutional immunity and stall ongoing criminal trials.

The stakeholders specifically alleged that the nominee being pushed by former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is a co-defendant in active corruption case already instituted by the Kano State Government.

According to them, such a nomination would amount to a “glaring double standard,” especially following the resignation of former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam after merely facing similar allegations.

They argued that installing another official under prosecution would undermine the credibility of both the Kano State Government and the ruling APC, while also damaging the anti-corruption posture of the Tinubu administration.

The group further warned that the alleged pressure could be politically costly, noting that opposition forces are already mobilizing ahead of future contests in the state.

“It appears to be a calculated attempt to secure backdoor immunity for the accused,” the letter stated, cautioning that such a move would “ridicule the office of the governor and compromise the integrity of the legislature.”

Drawing comparisons with ongoing federal probes involving some former top officials, including Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai, the stakeholders urged the president to uphold consistency in the fight against corruption.

They called on Tinubu not to allow anyone using federal might to pressure Governor Yusuf into choosing a deputy, stressing that “the soul of governance and sanctity of institutions must remain paramount.”