Ganduje missed Tinubu’s Kano visit due to London trip — Aide

By Kunle Sanni –

The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was absent during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence visit to Kano on Friday due to a pre-scheduled personal trip to London.

This clarification was made in a statement issued on Friday by Malam Muhammad Garba, former Chief of Staff to Dr. Ganduje, in response to public speculation surrounding his absence. Garba dismissed claims that the former Kano State governor was either unwell or deliberately sidelined, explaining that the trip had been planned shortly after his resignation from the APC national leadership.

According to the statement, President Tinubu’s visit to condole with the family of the late elder statesman and business mogul, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, was duly communicated to Dr. Ganduje. However, despite efforts to adjust his travel schedule, logistical constraints made it impossible for him to return in time for the visit.

“Dr. Ganduje made every effort to adjust his itinerary but was unable to do so due to prior commitments,” Garba stated.

He added that while outside the country, Dr. Ganduje remained in active communication with key party stakeholders in Kano, including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, to ensure adequate preparation for the President’s visit.

Garba emphasized that Dr. Ganduje’s resignation from the APC national chairmanship does not affect his long-standing political relationship with President Tinubu, which remains rooted in mutual respect and shared commitment to party ideals.

He further reaffirmed the unwavering loyalty and unity of the APC in Kano State under President Tinubu’s leadership, pledging continued support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.