OPINION: NNPP Guber Win In Kano And Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s Renaissance

The name Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has two denotations in Nigeria’s dictionary. He is the outspoken former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor who warned the Goodluck Jonathan administration against national financial maladministration alongside the most recently deposed paramount ruler of one of the most significant kingdoms in Nigeria.

In February 2014, following a series of public investigations and raising the alarm on the US$20 billion NNPC scandal, Sanusi was suspended as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria by then president Goodluck Jonathan, a position he had held since 2009.

The grandson of Muhammadu Sanusi I succeeded his great-uncle Ado Bayero to the throne on 8 June 2014 amid severe controversies and was a dominant voice advocating for cultural reform in Northern Nigeria.

Many Nigerians still believe that his advocacy led to his dethronement on March 9, 2020, by the kano state government.

The other side and the most controversial side of the story is that Sanusi Lamido Sanusi became a foe of the eventual winner of the 2019 Kano State gubernatorial election, which occurred on March 9, 2019, and produced the APC candidate Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for his second term, defeating PDP Abba Kabir Yusuf, Sanusi’s anointed candidate, and 53 other contestants.

Because of this, Ganduje played a retaliation game on him a year after the election.

As fate will have it, Umar Ganduje’s time as governor is over, and he has failed to propel his anointed successor, Nasiru Gawuna, to victory.

According to the election results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Abba Kabir Yusuf, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s choice four years ago, who has now jumped ship to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is the winner of the March 18 gubernatorial election in the state.

Does that mean that Sanusi Lamido Sanusi will return as Kano Emir?

After Lamido was dethroned, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State on Saturday, July 3, 2021, presented staff of office to the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

The Punch reported on March 9, 2020, that Governor Ganduje said that Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was deposed on the grounds of alleged insubordination, refusal to attend official meetings, and breach of Kano Emirate Law, among many other offenses. 

We cannot confirm if the current Emir is found wanting of any offence, but if he does not, experts in community and chieftaincy affairs say that Kabir Yusuf has no moral right to tamper with the Kano emirate.

Traditional rulership is politicised

Many Nigerians believe that traditional rulership has reached its lowest point recently.

They think the Emirs, Obas, and Obis across the country are proteges to state governors.

Because the traditional system has become polarised and politicised, many Nigerians are convinced that Sanusi Lamido Sanusi will be reinstated no sooner than Kabir Yusuf, the NNPP governor-elect in Kano state, is sworn in.

Even a paramount ruler had been deposed and reinstated recently

His Royal Majesty, Sampson Ogugu I, the Osuvie of Agbarho kingdom, who was dethroned, was reinstated a few years later.

AllNews Nigeria understands that in December 2018, a faction in the kingdom drove the monarch out of the palace and installed Chief William Onokpite as king.

But on September 26, 2022, the monarch was reinstated to the exalted seat.

 Lamido's rennaiscance

Since most people believe that Lamido was dethroned because of his anti-Ganduje activism, Kabir Yusuf’s victory is a breath of relief for Lamido.

The discussion of whether or not he will return to the throne will linger for long.

Here is what social media users are saying regarding the development: 

What if the new Kano Governor recalls and re-installs Sanusi as Emir of Kano?

I see it happening.

— Malachy Odo II (@MalachyOdo1) March 19, 2023

Since the emir of Kano position is now political,Will abba Gida-Gida bring back Sanusi Lamido as Emir?

— MAYOR OF NASARAWA (@Benzfresh) March 20, 2023

APC lost Kano to NNPP, I’m afraid Kwankwaso will return Sanusi as the Emir of Kano…

Kano is the Naija “Game of Thrones”

— Jerry koko Durojaiye (@kokomatic) March 20, 2023