Unnamed Sources Shed Light on the Three Main Causes Pushing Ganduje Out as APC National Chairman
Abdullahi Ganduje, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stepped down from his position on June 27, 2023, officially citing health reasons and a desire to focus on his well-being. However, multiple reports and insiders suggest that his resignation was largely influenced by internal political strife, mounting pressure over financial impropriety allegations, and controversies during his tenure.
These factors include a court order restraining him from parading as a party member and accusations of demanding excessive fees from election aspirants. While Ganduje's health issues may have been a formal explanation, underlying political and legal challenges seem to have played a significant role in his decision.
Shortly after resigning, Ganduje was appointed as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The appointment, announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, came within days of his resignation and is viewed by some as a political repositioning within the Nigerian government framework.
The sequence of events reflects a combination of personal, political, and legal factors underlying Ganduje’s resignation and rapid transition to a government board chairmanship.
In the weeks following his resignation, Ganduje's public appearances have raised questions about the validity of his claim of ill health. There has been no confirmation from the APC or Ganduje regarding the promises of a bigger role after his resignation.
The appointment of a new national chairman from the North Central has further complicated the situation for the APC. This move was seen as a strategic move to facilitate Rabi'u Kwankwaso's entry into the APC, given Kwankwaso's political influence in Kano and his long-standing relationship with President Tinubu.
However, the plan for Ganduje to potentially join the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and work with political rivals like former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and incumbent governor Abba Yusuf did not materialize due to resistance from APC stakeholders in Kano.
The stalemate in the APC regarding the Kano realignment strategy remains unresolved, especially after the appointment of a new national chairman from the North Central. This situation has left the APC unable to push forward with its Kano realignment strategy or reverse course.
There has been speculation about Ganduje's alleged fallout with President Tinubu and other party power brokers. Alleged disagreements between Ganduje and the presidency may have led to his removal.
Resistance from APC stakeholders in Kano has also been noted in the potential collaboration between Ganduje and political rivals like Kwankwaso and incumbent governor Abba Yusuf.
In summary, Abdullahi Ganduje's resignation and subsequent appointment as Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reflect a complex interplay of personal, political, and legal factors. The stalemate in the APC regarding the Kano realignment strategy remains unresolved, creating an interesting dynamic within the Nigerian political landscape.
- Abdullahi Ganduje stepped down as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on June 27, 2023, partially due to health concerns, but also due to internal political strife.
- The resignation of Ganduje was prompted by a court order restraining him from acting as a party member, allegations of demanding excessive fees from election aspirants, and controversies during his tenure.
- After stepping down, Ganduje was appointed as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), a move seen by some as a political repositioning within the Nigerian government framework.
- The stalemate in the APC regarding the Kano realignment strategy remains unresolved following the appointment of a new national chairman from the North Central, a move seen as a strategic move to facilitate Rabi'u Kwankwaso's entry into the APC.
- There has been speculation about Ganduje's alleged fallout with President Tinubu and other party power brokers, with alleged disagreements between Ganduje and the presidency possibly contributing to his removal.
- Resistance from APC stakeholders in Kano has also been noted in the potential collaboration between Ganduje and political rivals like Kwankwaso and incumbent governor Abba Yusuf, creating an interesting dynamic within the Nigerian political landscape.
