Plot to sack Ganduje as APC chairman thickens as youths clash

A rift has emerged among youths within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, as the Coalition of APC Kano Youths has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismiss former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje from his position as the National Chairman of the party. The call, made on Sunday, stems from allegations of Ganduje’s failure to secure victory for the APC in the last general election and a claimed violation of the party’s zoning arrangement.

Sadiq Ali Sango, the Chairman of the Coalition, addressed the press in Kano, expressing dissatisfaction with Ganduje’s leadership. Sango asserted that Ganduje’s inability to deliver Kano State to the APC in the previous governorship election, coupled with alleged incompetence, corruption, and divisiveness, necessitated his removal. The Coalition also contended that Ganduje’s appointment violated the zoning arrangement, which designates the National Chairman position for the North Central zone.

“We demand that Ganduje should step down immediately, and Tinubu should not give him any appointment again, due to his corruption records,” said Sango. The Coalition further urged President Tinubu to facilitate the return of Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, into the APC. They advocated for Kwankwaso to assume leadership in the state, citing his popularity.

In a swift response, another group led by Ahmad Tijjani Abubakar dismissed the call to sack Ganduje, urging the public to disregard the statements made by Sango. Abubakar emphasized that Sango is not a member of the APC and has no authority to speak on behalf of the party. He praised Ganduje’s leadership, citing stability, internal peace, and victories in state elections under his chairmanship.

“We are 100% in support of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as our leader whom we have so much trust and confidence in,” declared Abubakar, countering the claims of the Coalition. The conflicting statements highlight internal divisions within the APC’s youth factions in Kano State.