Former Kano Governor Ganduje Reportedly Well Despite Widespread Speculation Over London Hospitalisation

 

Rumours swept through social media early this week alleging that former Kano State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, had been rushed to a specialist hospital in London following a critical health crisis. Posts claiming his condition had worsened prompted waves of concern and speculation among Nigerians, particularly given the pattern of high-ranking officials seeking medical attention abroad.

Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with expressions of concern, calls for prayers, and criticism of the elite’s continued reliance on foreign healthcare systems. The conversation quickly grew beyond the status of Ganduje’s health and turned into a broader debate over governance, health infrastructure, and accountability in Nigeria.

The narrative took a dramatic turn when Ganduje’s Chief of Staff and former Commissioner for Information in Kano State, Comrade Mohammed Garba, stepped forward to provide clarity. Speaking to DAILY POST on Monday, Garba dismissed claims that the former governor was in a critical condition.

According to Garba, Ganduje, who is 75, is currently in London but is not battling any life-threatening illness. He acknowledged that it is not unusual for someone of Ganduje’s age to deal with minor health issues but insisted that the severity being reported online was misleading and unfounded. “He is fine. Of course, it is rare for someone of Ganduje’s age not to have some minor health concerns, but it is not true that he is in critical condition as people are claiming,” Garba explained.

Adding to his remarks, Garba noted that Ganduje had remained in London since the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, which explained his absence at Buhari’s funeral. The former commissioner confirmed that he had spoken directly with Ganduje the previous night and found no indication of serious illness. He assured the public that had the situation been truly dire, the family and aides would not hesitate to notify the public so that prayers and support could be offered.

A family source, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, reinforced this stance, stating that there was no truth to the reports suggesting Ganduje was battling a severe medical condition. Although the source had not spoken directly with Ganduje, communication with close contacts in London suggested he was well and not undergoing any emergency treatment. “We are also just seeing these rumours everywhere,” the source admitted.

Ganduje, who served as governor of Kano State from 2015 to 2023, has long been a significant figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. Following his tenure, he assumed leadership of the All Progressives Congress in 2023, a position he resigned from in 2025, citing health-related reasons. That resignation initially sparked mild concern, but the latest claims seemed to ignite public anxiety once more.

The controversy surrounding his health comes against the backdrop of ongoing debates over the state of healthcare in Nigeria. During Ganduje’s administration, critics say Kano State saw little in terms of groundbreaking hospital infrastructure or significant investment in the health sector. A 2021 World Bank report highlighted the broader national issue, showing that Nigeria allocates less than 5 percent of its GDP to healthcare, a stark contrast to global recommendations.

This underfunding, coupled with the emigration of medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad, has deeply affected Nigeria’s health sector. Since 2010, approximately 70 percent of trained Nigerian doctors have reportedly relocated to other countries. The situation reflects a broader failure to build a robust, self-sufficient health system that could serve the country's population effectively, especially its leaders.

According to a 2019 Transparency International report, Nigeria’s corruption perception index stood at 26 out of 100. The report drew connections between misappropriated public funds and the lack of progress in sectors like healthcare. An estimated $400 billion has been lost to corruption since independence, compounding the structural deficiencies that force both elites and ordinary citizens to seek care abroad when illness strikes.

This recurring trend of political leaders traveling overseas for medical attention continues to draw criticism from a population that grapples with under-equipped hospitals, long waiting times, and a shortage of medical personnel at home. For many, the image of former heads of state and governors receiving care in London hospitals while local clinics barely function is a painful symbol of systemic failure.

As of now, Ganduje’s exact health status remains known only to his close aides and family members, but the official word insists he is stable. The public, weary of half-truths and secrecy, continues to demand transparency and better leadership, especially in matters of national infrastructure that affect millions daily. Whether this latest incident becomes a catalyst for real change remains to be seen, but for many Nigerians, the message is clear: true progress will require accountability and a sincere commitment to building strong systems at home.