Former National chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has clarified his absence during President Bola Tinubu’s condolence visit to Kano on Friday, attributing it to a prior personal commitment in London.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Muhammad Garba, a former chief of staff to Ganduje during his tenure as party chairman, those rumours were dispelled.

Mr Garba explained that the former Kano governor’s trip had been scheduled well in advance and coincided with the president’s visit to console the family of the late industrialist and elder statesman, Aminu Dantata.

“Dr Ganduje made every effort to adjust his plans but was unable to do so,” Garba said, adding that the former chairman was informed of the visit but could not reschedule his trip.

Despite being abroad, Ganduje was said to have maintained regular communication with key party figures to ensure seamless coordination of the president’s visit.

“He 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,” Garba noted.

He also emphasised that Ganduje’s resignation from his national leadership role had not affected his relationship with President Tinubu, describing their bond as “longstanding and rooted in mutual trust and shared political vision.”

Garba further reaffirmed the party’s unity in the state, stating, “The APC in Kano remains fully united, loyal, and committed to the vision and leadership of President Tinubu.”

President Tinubu was in Kano to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late Aminu Dantata, whose death has been described as a significant national loss.

Abdullahi Ganduje tendered his resignation effective immediately on June 27.

According to Garba, Ganduje left for London five days after stepping down.

His absence during Tinubu’s visit had sparked speculation, with some suggesting he was either ill or intentionally sidelined.