Fresh revelations have emerged that the final trigger for Abdullahi Ganduje’s removal as All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman was his inability to deliver on a sensitive ticket-sharing arrangement in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to sources, a close ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had instructed that chairmanship tickets in the six FCT area councils be split equally, three each, between the two major faiths in the country.
However, the plan reportedly collapsed after the choice of a female candidate for one of the seats failed, resulting in a 4-2 outcome in favour of one faith, instead of the agreed 3-3 balance.
“This alteration angered the president’s close ally who made the request and led to him persuading Tinubu to ease Ganduje out,” a source told Daily Trust.
Insiders also claim that the presidency views Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as controlling a significant bloc of votes in Kano, making him a more strategic ally ahead of the 2027 elections.
This calculation is believed to have strengthened the push to replace Ganduje, despite his long-standing political clout in the state.
Since leaving the APC chairmanship, observers note that Ganduje has kept his distance from both the party and the presidency.
Party insiders in Kano, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the former chairman had failed to show up in the state on at least three key occasions when his presence was expected, including visits by the president, the vice president, and during major APC events.
The source said, “The excuse is that he travelled out of the country but the question you should ask yourself is whether Ganduje would have missed such opportunities were he to be in the position of national chairman no matter where he was.”
Ganduje’s aides and associates, however, do not see the situation in that light and have attributed his absence in the country to his resolve to rest after serving the party.
Chief of Staff to Ganduje, Mohammed Garba, speaking to Daily Trust, stated that there is no issue between Ganduje and President Tinubu.
He said, “They remain bosom friends and have been in constant touch with the president who is the leader of the party. My principal was not removed as national chairman of the APC; he voluntarily resigned in the best interest of the party and to attend to some personal matters. He is currently in sound health and taking a well-deserved rest in London.
“Again, it is important to reiterate that he was not removed from office. His present stay outside the country is purely for rest, and no political party is in talks with him. Dr. Ganduje remains a committed member and leader of the APC, working tirelessly for the re-election of President Tinubu and to ensure the APC regains full control of Kano State.
“His associates are solidly working with him towards these goals, and together, they are focused on strengthening the party’s structures and ensuring electoral success at all levels.”
Another associate of Ganduje, Tanko Yakassai, explained that while Ganduje has remained loyal to the party, his associates are not happy with the way he was treated.
He said, “I’m a member of the APC, and I am aggrieved. So, if I feel that way, it’s safe to ask whether others do too.”
As the presidency keeps the blocs in Kano guessing, most of the leaders have decided to keep their fingers crossed until a concrete step is taken concerning the former national chairman.
Yakasai said, “The APC in Kano State remains strong and united. Dr. Ganduje, as the leader of the party in the state, will continue to bring his wealth of political experience to bear in ensuring the party’s victory in the 2027 elections.”
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