The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has clarified his absence during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence visit to Kano on Friday, refuting claims of deliberate exclusion.
Speculation had mounted after Ganduje was not seen with the President’s entourage during the visit to the Dantata family, who are mourning the loss of their patriarch, Alhaji Aminu Dantata.
In a statement released on Saturday by Malam Muhammad Garba, Ganduje’s former Chief of Staff, it was revealed that Ganduje had traveled to London for a pre-arranged personal engagement.
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Garba explained that while President Tinubu’s visit was communicated to Ganduje, the former Kano Governor was unable to reschedule his flight and itinerary to return to Nigeria in time.
“Dr. Ganduje made every effort to adjust his plans but was unable to do so,” Garba stated.
Despite his physical absence, the statement emphasized that Ganduje remained in constant communication with key party leaders, including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the APC Kano Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, to ensure smooth coordination for the President’s visit.
Garba also stressed that Ganduje’s recent resignation as APC National Chairman has no bearing on his cordial and long-standing relationship with President Tinubu, a bond he described as built over years of mutual respect and political alignment.
Reaffirming the party’s strong support for the Renewed Hope Agenda, Garba concluded by stating, “The APC in Kano remains fully united, loyal, and committed to the vision and leadership of President Tinubu.”