THE immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was notably absent during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence visit to Kano State on Friday, a development that has sparked media speculations and public curiosity.
However, a former top aide, Malam Muhammad Garba, has clarified the situation, saying Dr. Ganduje’s absence had nothing to do with ill health or political exclusion.
According to Garba, who served as Chief of Staff to the former APC National Chairman, Ganduje had travelled to London for a personal engagement that had been scheduled well in advance of President Tinubu’s visit.
In a statement issued on Saturday made available to News Point Nigeria, Garba explained that Ganduje’s trip began five days after his formal resignation from the party’s top position and had long been on his calendar.
“Contrary to various media reports and insinuations, Dr. Ganduje was not deliberately sidelined or indisposed,” he said.
“He was in London for a private commitment arranged long before the announcement of the President’s visit to Kano.”
President Tinubu’s visit to Kano was primarily to pay his condolences to the family of the late elder statesman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata.
While the visit was communicated to Ganduje, Garba disclosed that despite his desire to return and be present, the logistics and flight schedule could not be aligned in time.
“Dr. Ganduje made serious efforts to adjust his itinerary and return to Kano before the President’s arrival,” Garba noted.
“Unfortunately, it proved impossible due to the tight scheduling of his engagement abroad.”
Despite his physical absence, Garba stated that Ganduje was deeply involved in the planning and coordination for the President’s visit, maintaining frequent virtual communication—almost hourly with key stakeholders in the party and the state.
“He was in constant contact with the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the Kano APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas,” Garba added, stressing that Ganduje’s commitment to the APC and the Tinubu administration remains unwavering.
The former Kano Governor’s aide further reaffirmed that Ganduje’s recent resignation from the APC chairmanship has not altered his strong political alliance with President Tinubu.
“Their relationship remains cordial and rooted in mutual respect and shared political vision,” he said.
Garba concluded by stating that the APC in Kano remains united and fully behind President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The party is solidly loyal to the leadership of Mr. President and remains committed to the progress and stability of the APC,” he declared.
The statement appears aimed at dispelling any political insinuations around Ganduje’s absence, particularly given the sensitivity surrounding party leadership dynamics and the former chairman’s recent exit from the APC’s top office.