‘I never accused Yusuf of mismanaging public funds’ – Ganduje

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano

Former Kano State Governor and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has denied reports alleging that he accused the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of mismanaging public funds through payments made to former local government councillors.

Ganduje described the report as false, misleading and entirely fabricated, insisting that he never granted any interview in which such allegations were made.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba, the former governor faulted the authenticity of the publication, noting that it failed to provide basic details of the alleged interview, including when and where it took place, the media platform involved, or the identity of the journalist who reportedly conducted it.

“The report is false, misleading and completely unfounded,” the statement said, adding that there was no occasion on which Ganduje made the remarks attributed to him.

According to the statement, the publication was a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the former governor’s position and stir unnecessary political tension in Kano State.

The statement stressed that, as an elder statesman with access to leaders at both the federal and state levels, Ganduje understands the appropriate channels for expressing his views on governance and public policy.

“Given his status as an elder statesman who has access to government officials at both the national and state levels, it will be unbecoming of Dr. Ganduje to invite the media to publicly express his views on how governments are being run,” the statement read.

It added that whenever the need arises, Ganduje offers constructive advice through established and appropriate channels rather than through unverified public statements.

The former APC national chairman also disclosed that efforts were underway to trace the origin of the publication, warning that legal action would be taken against those responsible once they are identified.

“The source of this misleading publication is currently being traced and necessary legal steps will be taken once those behind it are identified,” the statement added.

Ganduje urged members of the public to disregard the report and advised media organisations and social media users to verify information before publication, particularly on sensitive matters involving public officials.

He reaffirmed his commitment to peace, accountability and responsible political engagement, while calling for professionalism, accuracy and ethical standards in public communication.