The evolution of Abdullahi Ganduje: 46 years in Nigerian politics
Abdullahi Ganduje named FAAN board chair
The political journey of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is a testament to longevity, ambition, and survival in Nigeria’s turbulent political landscape. From his early bid for elective office in 1979 under the now-defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), to his emergence as the chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) board in 2025, Ganduje has navigated decades of shifting alliances, party realignments, and public scrutiny with seasoned political instincts.
In July 2025, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, unveiled Abdullahi Ganduje as the new chairman of FAAN’s governing board. The appointment triggered a mix of reactions, with some seeing it as a reward for political loyalty, while others questioned the technocratic merit of the selection. But for Ganduje, the position is just the latest chapter in a political odyssey that began nearly five decades ago.
Early Political Ambition and 1979 NPN Aspirant Bid
Abdullahi Ganduje’s entry into politics began in the Second Republic as a member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). In 1979, he sought a seat in the House of Representatives but lost the primaries. Despite the early setback, the experience set the foundation for a lifelong career in public service and political engagement.
In the years that followed, Abdullahi Ganduje remained active in the political scene, taking on various administrative and civil service roles that kept him relevant within Kano State and at the federal level. His educational background, which includes a doctorate in Public Administration, positioned him well for bureaucratic roles and later, elective office.
Rise in Kano Politics and Deputy Governorship
Abdullahi Ganduje’s major breakthrough came in 1999 when he was appointed Deputy Governor of Kano State under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He served in that capacity from 1999 to 2003 under Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Although the administration lost re-election in 2003, Ganduje remained politically active, briefly returning in 2011 as deputy governor again under Kwankwaso, this time under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The partnership between Ganduje and Kwankwaso eventually soured, leading to a high-profile fallout that would define Kano’s political scene for years. In 2015, Ganduje succeeded Kwankwaso as governor of Kano State under the APC banner, consolidating his political dominance in the state over two terms from 2015 to 2023.
Controversies and Political Survival
Despite his achievements, Ganduje’s career has not been without controversy. In 2018, he faced public backlash following the emergence of videos allegedly showing him receiving bribes in foreign currency. Although the governor denied the allegations and was never formally indicted, the scandal remains one of the most debated chapters of his political life.
Nonetheless, Ganduje weathered the storm and maintained strong influence within the APC. He became a central figure in party leadership and was instrumental in the party’s strategies in the North-West region during the 2023 general elections. In 2023, he was appointed the National Chairman of the APC, reinforcing his role as a power broker within the ruling party.
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Appointment as FAAN Chairman in 2025
On July 9, 2025, the federal government announced Ganduje’s appointment as the Chairman of the FAAN Governing Board. While the role is largely administrative, it signals a strategic move to keep key political allies within federal structures. According to Keyamo, Ganduje’s wealth of experience in governance made him a “fit and proper person” to oversee the aviation sector’s regulatory authority.
Reactions were swift and mixed. Critics questioned the appointment’s alignment with technocratic expectations in a sensitive industry like aviation, while supporters viewed it as a deserved recognition of Ganduje’s service and loyalty to the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Legacy and Political Relevance
Whether viewed as a technocrat or a political beneficiary, Ganduje’s influence in Nigerian politics remains undeniable. From his roots in 1979’s NPN to steering Kano’s political direction and rising to the heights of federal leadership, he has proven to be a resilient figure across regimes and party transitions.
His appointment to FAAN continues a trend of political recycling in Nigeria’s governance space, but it also underscores his enduring clout and relevance. As the aviation industry anticipates reforms, many will be watching to see whether Ganduje can rise to the challenge, or whether his appointment will become another talking point in the country’s complex political calculus.
