KANO, Nigeria — The Kano State Government says the long-running Kano Emirate leadership tussle—which has fuelled political tension and remained in court—could be resolved soon, with indications that some contenders may voluntarily step aside to restore peace.
Speaking to journalists in Kano on Thursday, the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, said the dispute would be settled “amicably” through dialogue and stakeholder engagement, adding that government efforts are aimed at preventing the issue from generating further tension or disrupting governance.
Waiya suggested the stand-off could ease without a protracted showdown, saying some parties might “by themselves” choose to step down “because they are now one family and ready to place Kano first,” while other aspects would be handled through “dialogue and understanding,” according to a report carried by Nigerian outlets.
The Kano Emirate crisis erupted after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as emir in May 2024, removing Aminu Ado Bayero—a move that triggered parallel claims and multiple court actions over the legality of the state’s reforms to the emirate structure. Court proceedings have included orders directing parties to maintain the status quo pending further judicial resolution, while the dispute has remained a sensitive flashpoint for security and politics in the state.
Waiya’s comments also came amid fresh political realignments in Kano following Yusuf’s recent defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—a move the commissioner described as beneficial for increased federal collaboration and development interventions.
In a related remark that underscored internal strains within government, Waiya said the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, should consider resigning if he does not align politically with the governor, arguing that top executive deliberations require trust and shared political direction.
The state government did not provide a timeline or specify which claimants might step down, but officials maintained that “concrete measures” were being pursued to deliver stability—framing the emirate settlement as a governance priority alongside the state’s shifting political landscape
