Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has dismissed speculation that his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) could result in the removal of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, insisting that there is no intention to alter the status of the Kano Emirate.

The governor spokesman, Sanusi Bature, categorically stated that there was “absolutely no plan or agreement” that would lead to the removal of Sanusi II.

“There is no plan to replace Emir Sanusi on the throne of Kano,” Bature said. “The appointment of the emir was done after the emirates law had been repealed, and there is no plan at the executive level for any further amendment.

“Emir Sanusi has been duly appointed in accordance with the repeal law, and this defection to the APC will not in any way change the status quo. Emir Sanusi remains the Emir of Kano. There is no move, no intention to substitute him.”

Bature described the renewed speculation as unfounded rumours being spread by individuals “who do not mean well for Kano State,” urging residents to disregard such claims.

“People should disregard such rumours,” he said. “There must be a clear understanding of the distinction between institutions. The traditional institution is non-partisan. What His Excellency did was to restore the lost glory and integrity of that institution.”

He further disclosed that the state government had not initiated any engagement with the camp of former Emir Aminu Ado Bayero or those opposing Sanusi’s reinstatement.

“Not yet,” he said, adding that the government was appealing to Bayero and his supporters to prioritise peace.

“We want to appeal to him and his co-sponsors to please, in the interest of peace, stability and economic prosperity of Kano State, distance themselves from the ongoing claim of awaiting reinstatement.”

The governor’s assurance comes amid renewed speculation following his defection to the APC, which raised questions over whether the political realignment could lead to a reversal of Sanusi’s reinstatement.

For nearly two years, Kano State has been embroiled in an unprecedented emirate crisis, with two emirs laying claim to the same throne. While Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II operates from the historic Gidan Rumfa palace, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero continues to occupy the Nassarawa mini-palace, both backed by rival political interests.

Sanusi was deposed in March 2020 by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and replaced with Bayero. He was reinstated in May 2024 by Governor Yusuf following the passage of the Kano State Emirates Councils (Repeal) Law 2024, which abolished the five emirates created under the 2019 law.

Despite the repeal, Bayero has continued to lay claim to the throne, reportedly enjoying security backing and tacit recognition from some federal authorities, a situation that has further deepened the crisis.

Speculation intensified earlier this week after Yusuf defected to the APC, aligning politically with Ganduje, a known supporter of Bayero. The defection also marked a political rift between Yusuf and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, under whose influence Sanusi was believed to have been reinstated.

The debate gained further momentum after the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, hinted during a radio programme that the prolonged crisis might be nearing resolution, stating that “concrete measures” had been put in place to restore peace.

However, responding to the claims on Friday, the governor categorically ruled out any plan to alter Sanusi’s status.

Asked whether the emirate issue formed part of negotiations before Yusuf’s defection to the APC, Bature dismissed the suggestion.

“The emirate issue is not a political decision. It is the personal interest of some individuals,” he said. “It should not be discussed during a serious political decision like this.”

He also appealed directly to Aminu Ado Bayero to distance himself from political manoeuvring.

“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the former Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, to recuse himself from being used by some people and to contribute positively to the Kano First agenda by ensuring political stability in the state,” he said.

On reconciliation efforts, Bature said the state government remained open to engagement.

“But this is a new era and a new beginning. His Excellency is willing to engage with anyone, directly or indirectly, who has something to contribute to Kano’s development. Kano comes first, above personal interest and politics.”