Aide Explains Ganduje’s Absence During President Tinubu’s Condolence Visit To Kano

By Ayodele Oni

Garba Mohammed, Chief of Staff to the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has clarified the reason for his absence during  President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Kano on Friday.

President Tinubu had visited Kano to condole with the family of the late business mogul, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who died two weeks ago.

Mohammed explained that Ganduje was absent during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence visit to Kano on Friday because he had traveled to London for a personal engagement.

Garba said the trip had been scheduled shortly after Ganduje resigned from the party’s national leadership and was unrelated to illness or political exclusion, as speculated in some quarters.

“Contrary to reports claiming that Dr. Ganduje was either sick or sidelined from the President’s visit, the fact is that he had travelled to London for a personal matter arranged well in advance,” Garba said.

He said President Tinubu’s visit to condole with the family of the late business mogul, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, was communicated to Ganduje. However, efforts to reschedule his travel plans were unsuccessful.

Garba added that despite being outside the country, Ganduje remained in contact with party leaders in Kano during the President’s visit.

“He was in constant communication virtually every hour or two with Senator Barau Jibrin and the Kano APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas,” he said.

Garba also responded to claims of a rift between Ganduje and Tinubu, describing them as unfounded.

“His resignation from the APC leadership has not affected his relationship with President Tinubu. They have a longstanding political understanding and mutual respect.”

Garba added that the party in Kano is not facing internal division.

“The APC in Kano remains united and committed to the leadership and vision of President Tinubu.”