Abdullahi Ganduje, the former Kano State governor, wants Nigeria's ex-deputy governors to step up efforts in mediating disputes between sitting governors and their running mates. He made the call in Abuja when members of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors visited him ahead of their annual conference.
Ganduje, a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, said peace between these officials would strengthen governance and steadiness across the country. He believes the forum is uniquely positioned to intervene when governors and deputies clash, regardless of party lines.
"The experience and authority of former deputy governors would command respect from political actors," he said, noting this could prevent crises that destabilise state governments.
Ganduje himself served as Kano's deputy governor before rising to the top job. He acknowledged that the deputy governor's role ranks among Nigeria's toughest political positions yet remains vital for good governance and constitutional succession.
"Deputy governors provide critical support to governors and ensure continuity whenever the need arises," he stressed.
The APC chieftain urged the forum to examine escalating conflicts between outgoing governors and their successors. He called this pattern a persistent problem in Nigeria's democracy.
Chris Akomas, chairman of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, told reporters the organisation remains committed to strengthening national unity and promoting good governance. Akomas, a former Abia State deputy governor, said the forum pursues nation-building through partnerships with government bodies, universities and development organisations.
According to him, the forum's work is shaped by shared commitments to collaborative approaches that advance sustainable development across Nigeria.
