By Hon. Dr. Ubasinachi, APGA Candidate for AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency 2023
His Excellency, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, is a figure who has traversed the complex and often turbulent landscape of Nigerian politics with a steadfast resolve. Rising from humble beginnings as a public servant to becoming a Director in the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Dr. Ganduje has carved out a remarkable career. He served as Deputy Governor of Kano State, and later as Governor for eight years, and now, he holds the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in Nigeria.
Yet, despite these significant accomplishments, Dr. Ganduje has often found himself misunderstood and maligned by both the media and the present government of Kano State. This misrepresentation has overshadowed the essence of his contributions, leaving many to overlook the deeper values and dedication that define his legacy.
Dr. Ganduje’s tenure as Governor of Kano State was marked by numerous challenges, but also by considerable achievements. He worked tirelessly to develop the state, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, and education. His administration's strides in modernizing Kano, improving its road networks, and expanding healthcare services were substantial. However, these achievements have frequently been overlooked or downplayed, with the focus instead placed on controversies that have sometimes been blown out of proportion.
Despite the criticism and the often unfair portrayal by his detractors, Dr. Ganduje has remained true to his principles and unwavering in his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s *Renewed Hope Agenda*. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria, serving as a bridge-builder within the APC and standing as a father figure to many in the party. His loyalty to the party and its vision for Nigeria has never wavered, even in the face of adversity.
In my personal encounters with Dr. Ganduje, I have come to know a man who is not only without regrets but who also possesses a deep belief in the potential of young people. He is someone who prioritizes the welfare of others and is open to dialogue, irrespective of religious or tribal differences. He embodies the qualities of a true leader—one who listens, understands, and acts with the best interests of his people at heart.
However, it is clear that Dr. Ganduje harbors concerns about how his legacies will be interpreted by future generations. Despite all he has done for Kano State and Nigeria, there remains an uncertainty in how history will judge his contributions. This is a burden that weighs heavily on any leader, particularly one who has dedicated so much of his life to public service.
Yet, Dr. Ganduje remains resolute. He believes firmly that everything that comes his way is destined by God, and he has never compromised on his commitment to prayer and faith. At over seventy years old, he may appear unassuming, but his mental fortitude and capacity for leadership are undeniable. He has faced challenges that would have broken many, yet he continues to stand strong, driven by a desire to see Nigeria thrive under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In time, it is my hope that posterity will be kind to Dr. Ganduje. History should not judge him solely by the controversies that have surrounded his career but by the enduring impact of his work, his commitment to unity, and his unwavering belief in the potential of every Nigerian, regardless of their background.
Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje is a man of integrity, a leader who has stayed true to his values in the face of adversity. He is, indeed, a misunderstood figure in Nigerian politics, but one whose legacy, I believe, will be appreciated in the years to come.
