The Presidency is reportedly working on a plan to divide Kano State before the 2027 elections, a move believed to have worsened the ongoing feud between President Bola Tinubu and the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.
According to a report by Punch Newspaper, Tinubu and Sanusi, once allies, are now at odds over politics, legal battles, and conflicting views on governance.
The fallout became public when Sanusi announced he would no longer support the government’s economic policies.
In response, government officials dismissed his position and stated that his backing was unnecessary.
Sanusi later clarified his position, but the tension between him and Tinubu remained clear.
Their relationship began in 2013 when Sanusi, as Central Bank Governor, accused the Jonathan administration of corruption.
After his suspension, Tinubu and opposition leaders supported him.
This bond grew stronger when Sanusi became the Emir of Kano, a position Tinubu and other allies backed him to secure.
However, the friendship began to crumble after Sanusi’s dethronement in 2020 by then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Reports revealed that the Presidency now supports Ganduje’s appointee, Emir Ado Bayero, over Sanusi in ongoing legal battles concerning the Kano Emirate.
This has reportedly upset Sanusi, who believes the government is working against him.
Political analysts claimed the alleged plan to split Kano is a strategy to secure votes for the ruling APC in future elections.
Sources also revealed the Presidency’s actions are driven by concerns about Sanusi’s popularity and loyalty to opposition figures, particularly former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) told PUNCH: “The presidency is not supporting Sanusi in the ongoing legal battle. They are supporting Ado Bayero, who was installed by Ganduje, and have been using the Federal High Court against the emir. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that a Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction over a matter involving a state’s traditional ruler.
“Sanusi is also aware that the presidency intends to split Kano into two ahead of the 2027 general elections. For instance, some people refer to Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, while others refer to Bayero as the Emir of Abuja. The strained relationship between Tinubu and Sanusi stems from the presidency’s move to remove him the throne”.
Sanusi, known for his strong opinions, criticized some of Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that they have worsened inflation and unemployment.
While his remarks align with the struggles of many Nigerians, critics say his approach has added to the strain between him and the government.
Observers believe this feud is not just about policies or governance but also deeply rooted in political calculations.
They warned that the ongoing crisis could harm public trust in both traditional and political institutions.
Calls for reconciliation are growing, with many urging all parties to prioritize the nation’s unity and stability over personal or political gains.
