The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was absent during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Kano on Friday due to a pre-scheduled personal engagement in London.

The clarification was made by former Chief of staff to the ex-APC National Chairman, Malam Muhammad Garba.

In a statement he personally signed, Garba said contrary to speculations suggesting that Ganduje was either unwell or deliberately excluded from the President’s entourage, the former National chairman had traveled to London for a personal engagement that had been arranged in advance.

Garba said the visit by President Tinubu was communicated to Ganduje, but despite efforts to reschedule his flight and itinerary, the logistics made it impossible for him to return in time.

“Dr. Ganduje made every effort to adjust his plans but was unable to do so. However despite being abroad, Dr. Ganduje remained in constant communication virtually every hour or two with key party leaders, including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the APC Kano state Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, to ensure smooth coordination for the President’s visit,” he said

Garba emphasized that Ganduje’s resignation as APC National Chairman has not affected his cordial relationship with President Tinubu.

“The APC in Kano remains fully united, loyal, and committed to the vision and leadership of President Tinubu,” he added.