Former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has rejected allegations by former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, linking him to the disappearance of an activist, Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata.
In a statement signed by a former Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs in Kano State, Comrade Muhammad Garba, on behalf of Ganduje, the ex-governor described the allegation as “reckless, unfounded and a clear attempt to shift responsibility for an incident that occurred entirely within Kaduna State.”
Garba stated that Dadiyata lived and operated in Kaduna, where he was known for criticising the Kaduna State Government, stressing that there was no credible evidence linking Ganduje to the activist’s disappearance.
“Everyone in Kaduna knew the nature of the criticism he made and who it was directed at,” the statement read.
He added that responsibility for security in Kaduna at the time rested with the state government and the relevant federal security agencies operating there.
The former commissioner called for scrutiny of El-Rufai’s remarks, noting that serious allegations must be backed by verifiable evidence rather than political rhetoric.
He said, “Dragging Ganduje into the matter without proof not only politicises a painful and unresolved episode but also risks further confusing the public over an already sensitive case.”
Garba contrasted the political climates in Kano and Kaduna during the period under review, maintaining that Ganduje’s two-term administration in Kano was marked by tolerance for criticism and open engagement with the media.
“Unlike many political leaders who maintained strained relationships with the media, we allowed scrutiny, accommodated critical voices and even learned from dissenting perspectives,” he stated.
According to him, there was no record of arrests, intimidation or harassment of journalists or critics in Kano during Ganduje’s tenure.
The statement further noted that public discourse surrounding Dadiyata’s disappearance had largely centred on events within Kaduna State. It added that former senator, Shehu Sani, had openly remarked that many individuals within the state were reluctant to speak publicly about the case, while commentator Reno Omokri had previously raised concerns about how the matter was handled.
Garba also expressed concern over El-Rufai’s claim that a police officer allegedly confessed to being sent from Kano to abduct Dadiyata, questioning why such information, if credible, was not formally disclosed to investigative authorities or pursued through appropriate security channels.
“It is difficult to reconcile a claim of having no prior knowledge of the individual with simultaneously making detailed assertions about who was responsible,” he said.
While reiterating sympathy for Dadiyata’s family, the former commissioner stressed that efforts should focus on uncovering the truth through lawful and transparent investigations.
“The family deserves closure. What they do not deserve is for this tragic matter to become an instrument of political blame-shifting,” he added.
He urged anyone with credible information regarding the abduction to present it to the appropriate authorities, insisting that accountability must be based on facts and due process, not speculation.
