The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Umar Ganduje has explained his absence during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence visit to Kano on Friday.
The clarification came on the heels of speculations that Ganduje was “deliberately excluded” from the President’s entourage during his condolence visit to the Dantata family over the demise of their patriarch, Alhaji Aminu Dantata.
A statement by Malam Muhammad Garba, the former Chief of Staff to the former APC leader in Abuja on Saturday, said Ganduje travelled to London for a personal engagement that had been arranged well in advance.
Garba explained that the visit by Tinubu was communicated to Ganduje but noted that the former Kano Governor was unable to reschedule his flight and itinerary to enable him to return in time for the presidential visit.
According to Garba: “ Dr. Ganduje made every effort to adjust his plans but was unable to do so.’
The statement however maintained 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 emphasised that Ganduje’s resignation as APC National Chairman in no way affects his cordial, longstanding relationship with Tinubu, a bond built over years of mutual respect and political alignment.
“The APC in Kano,” he added, “remains fully united, loyal, and committed to the vision and leadership of President Tinubu,” he said, reaffirming the party’s strong support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
