The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has denied any involvement in a purported plot to dethrone the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.
According to The PUNCH, this comes in response to a viral report circulating on social media, which alleged that Ganduje was spearheading a new campaign to remove the traditional ruler.
The report, titled ‘Ganduje leads a fresh plot to dethrone Emir Mohammad Sanusi’, has been dismissed as baseless by Ganduje.
It is important to note that Sanusi, who previously served as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was removed from his position as Emir of Kano during Ganduje’s tenure as the governor of Kano State.
His ousting, which was subsequently upheld by the court, was widely believed to have been influenced by the political dynamics of the previous administration.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Ganduje, speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, distanced himself from the allegations.
He clarified that he has no role in any ongoing efforts related to the emirate and that his focus is now on his responsibilities as the APC National Chairman.
“Ganduje has nothing to do with the present enthronement or dethronement of Emir Mohammad Sanusi in Kano. It should be noted that he is no longer the executive governor or the speaker of the House of Assembly and therefore cannot have anything to do further with the Emirship of Kano,” the statement read.
The former governor expressed surprise at the allegations, considering he left office years ago and is now preoccupied with leading the ruling party.
“It is laughable that Ganduje, who has left office as governor for some years now, would be accused of masterminding a fresh plot to remove or enthrone an Emir. He is now very busy with leading the APC. He is satisfied with the enormous contributions he made in terms of massive dividends of democracy, infrastructural developments, and the good governance he provided while he held sway as governor,” the statement stated.
Ganduje’s response also suggested that the allegations were part of a deliberate attempt to sow discord between him and the presidency, noting,“Those who are behind this sinister move to malign the APC national chairman have revealed the clandestine and dangerous motive of the sponsors to create bad blood between Ganduje and the presidency.”
Reaffirming his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, Ganduje emphasized the strong relationship he has maintained with the national leader of the party.
“Let me reiterate here that he has great respect for the national leader of the party, President Bola Tinubu. The relationship has been very cordial and no amount of blackmail can destroy the solidity of the partnership,” Ganduje said in the statement.
This statement underscores Ganduje’s commitment to his current role and the broader objectives of the APC, distancing himself from any activities related to the emirate.
