Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has responded to comments attributed to Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, calling Ganduje his political godson.

In a swift reaction, Ganduje insisted political relationships should not be reduced to “boy-master” descriptions, adding that Kwankwaso had once served under his custody.

Ganduje, in a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba, said political success is often shaped by mentorship, alliances and support from others, noting that most politicians benefitted from assistance at different stages of their careers.

The statement maintained that Ganduje played a role in Kwankwaso’s early political journey, especially during the National Assembly election that led to his emergence as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“At that time, Ganduje could confidently have referred to Kwankwaso as his political boy, having supported him morally, financially and stood by him during that period,” the statement said.

The release recalled that before their rise in politics, Kwankwaso frequently visited Ganduje while he served as a senior civil servant in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and later as Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport in Kano State.

“It is therefore unnecessary and immaterial for leaders to introduce such narratives into contemporary political discussions, especially at a time when citizens expect attention to be focused on governance and progressive politics,” the statement added.

Ganduje further reflected on the 1998 governorship primaries in Kano State, claiming that many stakeholders believed he won the contest before party leaders persuaded him to step down for the sake of unity and accept the deputy governorship position alongside Kwankwaso.

Despite the political disagreements of the past, the statement noted that both men later worked together successfully between 1999 and 2003, and again from 2011 to 2015, in what it described as a productive political partnership dedicated to Kano State’s development.

The former APC chairman also referenced Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, noting that although he once served as Kwankwaso’s Personal Assistant, he is now the elected governor of Kano State and should be accorded due respect by all political actors.

Politics should not be about who is superior to the other. A father can nurture a child who eventually becomes greater in status and influence. That is the natural progression of leadership and human relationships,” the statement quoted Ganduje as saying.

Ganduje appealed to political leaders in Kano State to avoid inflammatory comments capable of deepening divisions and instead focus on promoting peace, unity and development.

He also urged supporters across party lines to remain calm and refrain from escalating tensions arising from recent exchanges among political leaders in the state.

Ganduje’s counter reaction was triggered by Kwankwaso’s recent outburst where he described Ganduje has his political godson. While addressing his political loyalists at his miler road residence, Kwankwaso said ” if not for my low profile, can Ganduje deny that, he’s not my political boy”.