In the wake of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje’s unexpected resignation as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), reactions continue to trail the move that many Nigerians found shocking. While some speculate a deeper political motive, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC) and former Governor of Abia State, has offered a different perspective.
Ganduje, a former two-term governor of Kano State, stepped down from his role last week, attributing the decision to urgent personal matters. The APC, in turn, announced that it had accepted his resignation and was already preparing for a leadership transition.
During an interview with Channels Television, Senator Kalu disclosed that Ganduje’s resignation was prompted by health concerns.
“I was just with the national Chairman two weeks ago in his house, and we had a lot to discuss about health, about the party, about every other thing.
So health issues are what you can never put your eyes or your ears or your mind to,” Kalu explained.
Despite this explanation, CREEBHILLS noted that Ganduje’s supporters suspect that the resignation may be linked to political maneuvers, especially as speculations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. Some even suggest it may have something to do with the rumored defection of a major opposition figure to the APC.
However, Kalu strongly refuted such claims, emphasizing Ganduje’s longstanding loyalty and closeness to the president.
“He is a very close friend of the President. And you know, if it’s not health issues, he cannot say it’s not health issues.
So Nigerians, whether small or big, should believe him because he has no problems with the president. In my deepest opinion, even if Kwankwaso is coming to the party he has nothing to do with it. It’s absolutely his decision to step down. It’s absolutely his decision to look after his health, after all, health is wealth,” Kalu insisted.
The senator highlighted the intense demands of the APC chairmanship, underscoring the physical toll it can take.
“So can he really be running around from pillar to post, from Sokoto to Rivers, from Kebbi to Calabar, from Yobe to Abia and to Lagos, post to post?
It’s a quite a difficult job to be done. So honestly, I believe him.”
He concluded by reaffirming Ganduje’s early support for President Tinubu and called on Nigerians to trust the official explanation.
“Any other person can say what they want, but I know that President is very bold enough. He’s very courageous. He can tell him, step down, your services are no longer required, but I don’t think [that’s the case].
They are quite close. And mind you, when he was governor, he was the first governor among all people that supported President Tinubu openly before any other thing.
So I think Nigeria should learn to believe their leaders…”
