Former Kano State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has said the Supreme Court will determine the final outcome of the lingering Kano Emirship tussle, insisting that his recent public salutation of Muhammadu Sanusi II should not be interpreted as an endorsement of his reinstatement as Emir of Kano.

Ganduje made the clarification in a statement issued by his former Chief of Staff, Muhammad Garba, following reactions that trailed his remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of Kano’s new deputy governor on Tuesday.

At the event, Ganduje had addressed Sanusi as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs, a gesture that drew applause from dignitaries present and sparked widespread speculation over his stance on the disputed emirship.

The former governor, however, said his remarks were merely a sign of respect at a public function and did not amount to recognition of Sanusi’s claim to the throne.

“It is important to clarify that what happened was simply an expression of respect in a public gathering. It should not be misconstrued as an endorsement,” Ganduje said.

He maintained that the matter remains before the courts and that only the Supreme Court has the authority to make a final pronouncement on the dispute.

“The subsisting legal position recognises Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 14th Emir, pending the final judgment of the Supreme Court,” he stated.

Ganduje added that interpretations suggesting he had shifted allegiance in the emirship dispute were exaggerated, urging all parties involved to remain calm and await the apex court’s verdict.

“The interpretation being given to the remark is clearly exaggerated. All parties should exercise restraint and await the Supreme Court judgment which is expected to be delivered in April next year,” he added.

The Kano Emirship crisis dates back to March 2020 when Ganduje, then governor of Kano State, deposed Sanusi from the throne over what he described as “total disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the governor.”

Following Sanusi’s removal, Aminu Ado Bayero was appointed Emir of Kano.

However, in May 2024, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf reinstated Sanusi as emir and simultaneously dethroned Bayero, triggering a fresh legal battle over the stool.

Bayero subsequently challenged his removal in court, with the dispute eventually reaching the Supreme Court.

The apex court recently adjourned hearing in the case until April 2027.

Meanwhile, Yusuf formally joined the APC earlier this year after defecting from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), further reshaping Kano’s political landscape ahead of the final judicial decision on the emirship tussle.