Get Guardian on GoogleSenator Ajibola Basiru, National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed suggestions that the recent resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje from his role as National Chairman could destabilise the party.
Addressing journalists in Ibadan at a media session convened by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone B, Basiru said Ganduje’s departure should not be interpreted as a source of internal conflict.
Basiru said the party leadership had recognised Ganduje’s contributions, including efforts to consolidate administrative structures and attract new states to the APC.
He pointed to the joint election of both Ganduje and himself in August 2023 as a period that saw notable organisational improvements.
He argued that voluntary resignations within the party were not uncommon, citing the earlier exits of Senator Abdullahi Adamu and Senator Iyiola Omisore before his own appointment.
He said, “And this is not the first time that the party’s official has resigned. It is upon the resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu as National Chairman and Senator Iyiola Omisore that we assumed office on 3rd August 2023. So the resignation of Dr Abdullahi Umar Gandunje does not portend any crisis. It is speculation.”
On speculation regarding Governor Ademola Adeleke’s potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC, Basiru stated that he was unaware of any such move.
He said that while the APC remains open to new members, there is no indication that Adeleke intends to switch parties.
“Adeleke is not joining our party. I know that as of today, decamping is not on board. Although APC is a beautiful bride for anybody that wants to join, I must say here that as a party man and an established politician, I would say that I am one of the people that is extremely loyal to Mr President,” he said.
He also spoke about his political alignment, noting that he considers himself firmly loyal to President Bola Tinubu. Although he acknowledged having aspirations to contest the Osun governorship in the future, Basiru said his position remains subject to the president’s direction.
He described Tinubu as someone whose decisions are guided by broader party interests and strategic considerations.
Basiru also stressed his commitment to follow any course of action determined by the president, reiterating that party cohesion remains intact following recent developments.
