Behind Ganduje’s Exit: Honor, Strategy, And Political Brilliance – APC Leader Reveals

Cletus Obun, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former lawmaker, has said that the resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as the party’s National Chairman was a calculated and voluntary move, intended to preserve unity within the party and ensure a smooth transition ahead of its next convention.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking during a live interview on Arise News on Tuesday, Obun emphasized that Ganduje’s decision to step down was made “on his own terms,” following what he described as a relatively peaceful tenure.

Obun clarified that Ganduje never actively sought the position of National Chairman. Rather, he was drafted into the role to stabilize the party after the resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

“Dr. Ganduje has cited personal health reasons for his resignation, but those of us within the party know that he never lobbied for the role. He was brought in to restore calm after the turbulence surrounding the 2023 general elections,” Obun stated.

According to him, Ganduje assumed leadership shortly after President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration and successfully helped ease internal tensions.

“There was considerable unrest before the APC primaries. Senator Adamu’s actions added to the strain, and the party needed someone to bring stability. Ganduje did just that. Under his leadership, there was relative calm within the APC,” he explained.

Dismissing claims that Ganduje was ousted by internal power blocs, Obun described his resignation as both “honourable and timely,” giving the APC ample opportunity to prepare for its next phase.

“His exit wasn’t a result of pressure. It was a selfless act to give the party breathing room ahead of future conventions. Ganduje has played his role as a man of peace,” Obun asserted.

No Threat to Vice President Shettima

Addressing speculations that Ganduje’s resignation could signal a broader shake-up that might affect Vice President Kashim Shettima, Obun dismissed such fears, affirming that the APC’s zoning arrangement remains intact.

“There’s no indication from the president or the party that the Vice President is under threat. The zoning principle is still in place—Presidency in the South, and both the Vice Presidency and party chairmanship in the North,” he said.

While the current acting APC chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori, hails from the same North-East region as Shettima, Obun emphasized that the arrangement is temporary.

“Dalori is only serving in a caretaker capacity. Eventually, the chairmanship will be reassigned, likely to the North-Central or North-West, in line with the zoning policy,” he explained.

Ganduje-Kwankwaso Rift Overblown

Obun also brushed aside claims that Ganduje’s resignation was a strategic move to make room for reconciliation with Kano political rival, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

“People often misread the dynamics between Ganduje and those they perceive as his adversaries. In reality, politics is about strategic alliances, not personal vendettas,” he said.

“It would be unwise for any party to discard loyal allies for new ones. The APC is expanding, not replacing.”

APC’s Commitment to Regional Inclusion

Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to equitable representation, Obun highlighted that all six geopolitical zones are currently well-represented in both the party and the federal government.

“In the North-East, we have the Vice President and Deputy Senate President. The North-West holds the Speakership. The North-Central has the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. No region is being sidelined,” he said.

Obun concluded by stating that the party remains focused on unity, continuity, and consolidation of past gains.

“The Vice President’s position is not in question. We’re focused on strengthening the party for future victories, not restructuring leadership,” he said.