Renowned Islamic scholar and chairman of the Kano Council of Ulama, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, has blamed the lingering political unrest in Kano State on the rivalry between two key figures—Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
In an interview with Dan Uwa Rano Television, Sheikh Khalil criticized both leaders for causing division and tension that have affected unity, governance, and religious harmony across the state.
Sheikh Khalil lamented that even Islamic scholars in Kano are now sharply split along political lines, with some aligning with Kwankwaso and others supporting Ganduje.
According to him, this polarization has made it difficult for scholars to speak with a united voice on key issues affecting the state.
“The situation has eroded trust and contributed to the instability Kano is facing today,” he said.
When asked directly by the presenter which of the two he personally supports, the cleric responded emphatically: “Neither of them is worthy of being followed.”
Sheikh Khalil distances himself from political godfathers
Sheikh Khalil is not a stranger to politics. He contested the 2023 Kano governorship election under the platform of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), positioning himself as an alternative voice to the dominant forces in the state’s political landscape.
His remarks have sparked a wave of reactions across religious and political circles in Kano, with many interpreting his bold stance as a reflection of growing disillusionment with the Kwankwasiyya and Ganduje camps.
Observers say Sheikh Khalil’s comments add weight to concerns that the feud between the two former governors continues to cast a shadow over Kano’s progress, especially in the lead-up to future elections.
The interview has reignited debates about leadership direction, governance, and the future of the state’s political and religious unity.
