A group of concerned stakeholders in Kano State has issued a strongly worded open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging attempts by the Presidency to pressure Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into appointing a deputy governor facing corruption allegations.

In a letter dated April 7, 2026, and signed by Habib Musa Dawanan, the group described the alleged move as a “direct assault on the rule of law,” warning that elevating an embattled candidate to the position of deputy governor would amount to granting constitutional immunity and potentially stall ongoing criminal proceedings.

The stakeholders alleged that the nominee being reportedly backed by former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is a co-defendant in active corruption cases instituted by the Kano State Government.

They argued that such an appointment would represent a “glaring double standard,” particularly in the wake of the resignation of former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam, who stepped down amid corruption allegations involving billions of naira.

According to the group, installing another official under prosecution would undermine public confidence in the Kano State Government and damage the anti-corruption stance of the Tinubu administration.

The stakeholders further warned that the alleged political pressure could have serious electoral consequences, noting that opposition forces are already mobilising ahead of future elections in the state.

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

They drew comparisons with ongoing federal corruption investigations involving former officials, including Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai, urging the President to maintain consistency in the fight against corruption.

The group called on President Tinubu to allow Governor Yusuf full autonomy in choosing a deputy governor without interference, stressing that the “soul of governance and sanctity of institutions must remain paramount.”