The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has provided clarity regarding his absence during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence visit to Kano State on Friday.
According to a statement released by his former Chief of Staff, Muhammad Garba, Ganduje had traveled to London for a pre-scheduled personal engagement.
Sources close to the former APC chairman disclosed that his trip began five days after he formally stepped down from his party position. The timing of the journey, Garba emphasized, was coincidental and had no bearing on the President’s visit to the state.
Addressing speculations that Ganduje may have been unwell or deliberately excluded from the event, Garba stressed that the trip was planned well ahead of time and could not be rescheduled to accommodate the President’s condolence tour.
“Dr Ganduje made every effort to adjust his plans but was unable to do so,” Garba stated. He further revealed that despite being physically absent, Ganduje remained deeply involved in the coordination of the President’s visit. According to him, the former APC chairman maintained regular virtual contact with key figures, including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the APC Chairman in Kano State, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas.
President Tinubu’s visit was centered on offering condolences to the family of late business mogul Aminu Dantata. Although Ganduje was aware of the President’s itinerary, Garba explained that the overlap with his travel commitments made it logistically impossible to attend in person.
In the statement, Garba was also keen to debunk any notions that Ganduje’s recent resignation from the APC leadership had strained his political alliance with President Tinubu. On the contrary, he highlighted the enduring nature of their relationship, built over time on shared ideals and mutual respect.
He added that “the APC in Kano remains fully united, loyal, and committed to the vision and leadership of President Tinubu,” reiterating the state chapter’s full endorsement of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ganduje’s absence had sparked various rumours in political circles, but his camp insists there is no rift or health concern—just an unfortunate scheduling conflict. The statement concludes with a reaffirmation of Ganduje’s continued involvement in party affairs, even in an unofficial capacity.
What you should know
Abdullahi Ganduje missed President Tinubu’s condolence visit to Kano due to a prior commitment in London. His spokesperson clarified the trip was planned before the President’s visit and that Ganduje stayed actively involved in the planning from abroad.
His absence is not linked to illness or political fallout, and his relationship with Tinubu remains strong.
