Tensions between President Bola Tinubu and the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, have escalated as the Emir publicly announced his decision to cease supporting the Presidency in clarifying its economic policies. This rift was evident when Sanusi, speaking at a Lagos event, expressed his reluctance to assist the government due to personal grievances.
“I have chosen not to speak about the economy or explain these reforms because doing so would benefit this government, and I don’t want to help them. They are my friends, but if they don’t act like friends, I won’t either,” Sanusi stated.
In response, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris downplayed Sanusi’s role in the economic dialogue, asserting that the Tinubu administration does not require the Emir’s endorsement. “We do not need His Highness Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II’s stamp of approval for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative policies,” Idris remarked.
Reports from Naija News indicate that Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, further criticized Sanusi, accusing him of hindering national progress due to personal grievances. “His Highness, given his background in economics, has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than undermine reforms aimed at collective progress,” Onanuga added.
History of the Sanusi-Tinubu Relationship
The fallout between Sanusi and Tinubu has surprised many Nigerians, considering their previous collaboration. Sanusi, a former Central Bank Governor, became a vocal critic of the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2013 after revealing alleged unaccounted oil revenues. At that time, Tinubu, then an opposition leader, supported Sanusi’s stance, strengthening their alliance.
In 2014, Tinubu and other political heavyweights backed Sanusi’s ascension as Emir of Kano. However, Sanusi’s outspoken nature led to conflicts with then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, resulting in his dethronement in 2020.
The Role of Kano Politics
Sources close to the situation suggest that ongoing legal battles over the Kano emirate throne have further strained relations between Sanusi and the Presidency. Ganduje, now the APC National Chairman, supports the current Emir, Ado Bayero, and is believed to have mobilized resources to ensure Sanusi’s permanent removal. This alignment has reportedly alienated Sanusi from Tinubu’s government.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria disclosed that the Presidency is not backing Sanusi in his legal fight to retain the throne, instead favoring Bayero. The SAN stated, “The presidency is not supporting Sanusi in the ongoing legal battle. They are backing Ado Bayero, who was installed by Ganduje, and have been utilizing the Federal High Court against the emir. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that a Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction over matters involving a state’s traditional ruler.”
The source added, “Sanusi is aware that the presidency intends to split Kano into two ahead of the 2027 general elections. While some refer to Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, others call Bayero the Emir of Abuja. The strained relationship between Tinubu and Sanusi stems from the presidency’s move to remove him from the throne.”
Another source, a former aide to a vice president, corroborated these claims, stating, “The primary reason for the rift between Sanusi and Tinubu is that the presidency is not supporting Sanusi in his ongoing legal battle. Credible reports suggest that the presidency, in its efforts to secure Kano in the upcoming election, is backing the move to remove Sanusi and reinstate Bayero.”
The source further noted, “Given the circumstances surrounding his dethronement and eventual return, Sanusi is viewed as a loyalist of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, which makes him a threat to the APC government that removed him. Additionally, there are credible reports that Ado Bayero met with one of the prominent traditional rulers in the South-West, facilitating his meeting with Tinubu. Following that, the Kano Federal High Court issued a ruling against Sanusi in a matter outside its jurisdiction. In such a situation, the emir cannot pretend to be friends with those plotting his downfall.”
A prominent Kano indigene, who spoke with Punch on condition of anonymity, remarked that Ganduje and the presidency disapprove of Sanusi’s strong support for Kwankwaso. “Beyond the court case, they believe that the emir’s widespread support among Kano residents could translate into a loss of votes for the APC in the upcoming elections. Their efforts to remove him and install their preferred candidate are purely political, and the emir is fully aware of this,” the source stated.
