Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR (born 25 December 1949) is a Nigerian politician who served as the governor of Kano State from 2015 to 2023. He previously served as Rabiu Kwankwaso's deputy governor from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2015. Ganduje is a member and the national chairman of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC). Born to a Fulani family in the village of Ganduje, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State, he began his education in a Qur'anic and Islamiyya school and later attended Dawakin Tofa Primary School and Government College, Birnin Kudu.

Ganduje pursued higher education at Advanced Teachers' College, Kano, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, and Bayero University Kano, earning degrees in science education, applied educational psychology, and public administration. He completed his doctorate in public administration from the University of Ibadan in 1993. His political career began with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) during the Second Nigerian Republic, where he served as Kano State Assistant Secretary. Over the years, he held various government positions, including Kano State Commissioner of Ministry of Works, Housing, and Transport, and executive secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

In 2014, Ganduje was selected as the APC consensus candidate for Governor of Kano State, winning the 2015 election against the PDP candidate. His tenure was marked by conflicts with political mentor Rabiu Kwankwaso and Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. He was re-elected in 2019 amidst controversies over electoral malpractices. Ganduje also faced bribery allegations in 2018 when video clips purportedly showing him receiving bribes were released. He denied the allegations and filed defamation suits against the publisher.

In 2021, Ganduje faced additional scrutiny over attempts to remove the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, further complicating his legacy as a public official.

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