Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been temporarily suspended by the APC ward in Ganduje, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State.

This decision was announced by Halliru Gwanzo, the ward’s legal adviser, during a press conference held in Kano. The suspension is a response to allegations of bribery directed at Ganduje by the Kano State Government.

Reason for Suspension of APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje

According to Gwanzo, the decision to suspend Dr. Ganduje from the party was made due to the severity of the allegations against him. The accusations of bribery have prompted the party ward leaders to take action. The suspension is set to commence on Monday, April 15, 2024, and will remain in effect until the allegations against Ganduje are resolved.

Potential Implications for APC

This suspension raises questions about leadership within the APC and could have significant implications for Nigerian politics, particularly as the 2027 elections draw closer. The absence of the APC national chairman could potentially impact the party’s strategies and direction leading up to the elections.

Calls for Resignation

Prior to the suspension, there were calls for Ganduje’s resignation as the national chairman of the APC. Dr. Salihu Lukman, a prominent member of the party, urged Ganduje to either align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for advancing Nigerian democracy or step down from his position. Lukman expressed concerns about leadership crises in various states and the need for effective intervention from the party’s leadership.

Bribery Allegations

Meanwhile, the Kano State Government has initiated legal proceedings against Abdullahi Ganduje, accusing him of accepting bribes totaling $413,000 and ₦1.38 billion. In addition to Ganduje, his wife Hafsat and son Umar are named as co-defendants in the charge sheet dated April 3, 2024. Other individuals and entities implicated in the allegations include Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd, Safari Textiles Ltd, and Lesage General Enterprises.

Investigative Committees

Governor Yusuf has recently established two committees to investigate allegations of misusing public assets, political violence, and disappearances during Ganduje’s administration. These committees signify the government’s commitment to addressing concerns related to governance and accountability.

The outcome of these investigations and the resolution of the bribery allegations against Ganduje will likely have significant repercussions for both the APC and the political landscape of Nigeria.

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