The Presidency is reportedly considering a plan to split Kano State into two before the 2027 elections, a move believed to escalate the ongoing feud between President Bola Tinubu and the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.
According to a report by Punch Newspaper, the long-standing alliance between Tinubu and Sanusi has deteriorated, with their relationship now marked by political disagreements, legal battles, and differing views on governance.
Tensions first became public when Sanusi publicly distanced himself from supporting the government's economic policies. In response, government officials dismissed his stance, stating his support was not needed.
The fallout between the two figures dates back to 2013, when Sanusi, as the Central Bank Governor, accused the Jonathan administration of corruption. Tinubu, along with opposition leaders, supported him at the time. Their alliance strengthened when Sanusi was appointed Emir of Kano, with Tinubu's backing playing a significant role in his appointment.
However, after Sanusi’s dethronement in 2020 by then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, the relationship began to sour. The Presidency’s support now reportedly lies with Ganduje’s appointee, Emir Ado Bayero, in ongoing legal battles regarding the leadership of the Kano Emirate. This shift has caused further friction with Sanusi, who perceives the government as undermining him.
Political analysts suggest that the alleged plan to divide Kano State is part of a strategy to secure electoral advantage for the ruling APC in future elections. Sources indicate that the government is concerned about Sanusi's popularity and his associations with opposition figures, notably former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) noted that the government has been using the Federal High Court to support Ado Bayero against Sanusi, despite the Supreme Court ruling that the Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction in such matters. Sanusi, aware of the plans to split Kano, views the move as an attempt to weaken his influence in the state.
The strained relationship has also been fueled by Sanusi's vocal criticism of Tinubu's economic policies, which he claims have exacerbated inflation and unemployment in the country. While many Nigerians share his concerns, some critics argue that his outspoken opposition has deepened the rift with the government.
Observers believe that the feud is not merely a matter of policy but is deeply rooted in political maneuvering, with both traditional and political institutions at risk of being undermined. Calls for reconciliation are increasing, with many urging that national unity and stability should take precedence over personal or political ambitions.
