Ganduje Rejects Allegations of Insulting Former President Buhari
Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has firmly denied accusations made by New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chieftain Buba Galadima that he insulted former President Muhammadu Buhari. Ganduje described the claim as completely false and unfounded, emphasizing his longstanding political decorum and respect for national leaders.
Official Statement Dismisses Allegation as Laughable
The denial was formally issued in a statement on Tuesday by Chief Oliver Okpala, Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment to the former APC chairman. Okpala stated that Ganduje never disrespected the former president and characterized the allegation as laughable, considering Ganduje's established reputation for political wisdom and maturity.
Okpala elaborated: "I cannot keep silent when the name of such a true nationalist is dragged in the mud despite his hard-earned political reputation, nationally and internationally. This is very laughable. He is talking about a two-term governor of a state like Kano and the immediate past national chairman of the APC."
Ganduje Criticizes Galadima as Television Politician Without Base
In his response, Ganduje, through his aide, referred to Buba Galadima as a "television politician" who lacks a substantial political base and has never contested or won any election. The statement urged Galadima to return to his home state to contribute meaningfully to its political and economic development instead of making baseless accusations.
Okpala further noted: "My concern is not political but in defence of a man who has succeeded as a testament of political wisdom, maturity and decorum in the orbit of Nigerian politics, especially when it is coming from a television politician who has no political base and has not contested or won any election in his life."
Ganduje Defends His Political Legacy and Democratic Principles
Additionally, Ganduje dismissed claims that he was disgraced or prevented from installing a successor in Kano State during the 2023 elections. He highlighted his successful completion of two terms as governor, leaving behind a legacy of development across key sectors in the state.
The former APC chairman also rejected allegations that he mobilized security agencies to manipulate the 2023 elections, describing them as false and reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles. He accused Galadima of consistently peddling negative narratives and showing disrespect to national leaders, which has eroded his credibility over the years.
Call for Political Maturity and Responsibility
Ganduje called on political elders to embrace maturity and responsibility, urging them to help create a political environment anchored on peace, unity, and integrity for younger generations. This appeal underscores his stance on maintaining dignified political discourse amidst ongoing tensions.
The controversy arises amid broader political realignments in Kano State, including Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's recent defection from the NNPP to the APC. Ganduje has assured Governor Yusuf of full party backing and predicted sweeping victories for the APC at both state and federal levels in the 2027 elections.
