Ganduje Breaks Silence on Absence During Tinubu’s Kano Visit, Cites London Trip
Amid speculations surrounding his conspicuous absence during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Kano, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has clarified the reasons for his nonappearance, distancing himself from rumours of political fallout.
President Tinubu was in Kano on Friday to condole with the family of late business magnate Alhaji Aminu Dantata a visit that marked his first official trip to the state since assuming office.
Despite the high-profile nature of the visit, Ganduje, a two-time governor of Kano and recently resigned APC national chairman, was noticeably absent. This fueled speculations about internal power struggles within the ruling party, particularly following Ganduje’s recent resignation from his leadership role.
However, in a statement released on Saturday, Ganduje’s media aide, Malam Muhammad Garba, dismissed any political undertones behind the absence. He revealed that Ganduje had traveled to London for a long-standing personal engagement, which commenced five days after stepping down from his national position.
Garba said efforts were made to adjust the former chairman’s travel itinerary once the president’s visit was confirmed, but logistics challenges made it impossible for him to return in time.
He added that Ganduje remained actively involved in the background, maintaining regular contact with party stakeholders such as Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibril and APC Kano Chairman Prince Abdullahi Abbas, to support the president’s itinerary virtually.
The statement emphasized that Ganduje’s resignation has not strained his relationship with President Tinubu, describing their bond as one of enduring political alliance and mutual respect.
“The APC in Kano remains united and fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu,” Garba affirmed.
