Speculations Surge on Ganduje’s Removal as APC Chairman Post-Tinubu’s Appointment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to designate Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Board has sparked discussions over how it will affect his standing as the party’s leader.
Ganduje, a former Kano State governor, was included on a list of 42 people appointed to federal boards and agencies, along with a number of members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC). This dual job may be a first step toward more extensive party reform, according to some, while others see it as a standard administrative choice.

The North Central zone views Ganduje’s new post as a chance to regain the APC presidency, which it has been vying for since Senator Abdullahi Adamu resigned.

Citing past zoning accords, stakeholders contend that the chairmanship need to return to the area.

“We are slowly approaching 2027. A party insider in the area told Daily Trust that Mr. President should reverse the chairmanship to the North Central.

“The President must correct this imbalance by restoring the chairmanship to the North Central,” stated Sale Zazzaga, the Chairman of the North Central APC Forum, in order to underscore this demand.

Additionally, the forum has sued Ganduje, claiming that his appointment breaches zoning agreements prior to the 2023 election.

Despite these rumors, reliable APC sources claim that Ganduje’s appointment has nothing to do with his responsibilities as the party’s chairman, just like that of other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

Ganduje’s appointment, according to political observers, might be a component of a broader plan to get ready for a leadership change before the 2027 elections.

“These appointments could serve as soft landings for Ganduje and other NWC members ahead of their potential exit,” said APC chairman Chief Jackson Lekan Ojo.

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In order to make room for a new leadership structure, he also proposed that the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) disband the NWC at its upcoming meeting.

The APC, however, has denied allegations that Ganduje’s chairmanship is compromised by his new position.

APC National Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim called the accusations baseless.

Ibrahim said, “Ganduje’s responsibilities as national chairman are unaffected by this appointment.”

He called the rumors unfounded and charged that the detractors were trying to discredit Ganduje’s importance. “They come up with permutations that don’t happen every day,” he said.

He further emphasized that the North Central’s zoning concerns were without substance, noting that Prof. Kana, the region’s current National Legal Adviser, held the position.

Ibrahim said, “The critics should ask themselves if the legal adviser will also be sacked.”