The absence of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), during President Bola Tinubu’s condolence visit to Kano State has been clarified. Contrary to speculations of ill health or a deliberate exclusion, Ganduje’s absence was due to a pre-scheduled personal engagement in London. This engagement, planned well in advance, commenced five days after his resignation from the party’s leadership position. While the timing coincided with the President’s visit, attempts to reschedule his travel arrangements proved logistically impossible, preventing his return to Kano in time to receive the President.
President Tinubu’s visit to Kano was primarily to offer condolences to the family of the late business mogul, Alhaji Aminu Dantata. While Ganduje was informed of the President’s visit, the pre-existing personal commitment overseas prevented his attendance. Despite his physical absence, Ganduje maintained constant communication with key party leaders in Kano, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Kano State APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas. This proactive communication ensured smooth coordination and a successful presidential visit, demonstrating his continued engagement with party affairs.
The former Chief of Staff to Ganduje, Malam Muhammad Garba, issued a statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the absence and emphasized the strong bond between Ganduje and President Tinubu. This long-standing relationship, built on mutual respect and shared political ideals, remains unaffected by Ganduje’s resignation as National Chairman. The statement underscored the unity and unwavering loyalty of the Kano APC chapter to President Tinubu’s leadership and his “Renewed Hope” agenda.
The narrative surrounding Ganduje’s absence highlights the complexities of political life, where personal commitments can occasionally intersect with official duties. The clarification offered by his former Chief of Staff aimed to dispel any misconceptions and reaffirm Ganduje’s continued commitment to the party and his alignment with the President’s vision. It also showcased the importance of clear communication in managing public perceptions and maintaining party unity.
The statement further emphasized that Ganduje’s resignation as APC National Chairman should not be interpreted as a sign of discord or distancing from the President. Their relationship, forged over years of political collaboration, remains strong and mutually respectful. The Kano APC, under new leadership, remains fully committed to President Tinubu’s agenda, demonstrating the party’s cohesive structure and its alignment with the national leadership.
This incident serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of political leadership, requiring a balance between personal obligations and official responsibilities. The proactive communication strategy employed by Ganduje’s team effectively addressed potential misunderstandings and reinforced the message of party unity and unwavering support for the President’s vision. The clarification ensures that the focus remains on the important work of governance and the implementation of the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
