The chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, has explained the circumstances surrounding Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje’s unexpected resignation from his role as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to a report by LMSINT MEDIA, Ganduje’s abrupt resignation as the APC National Chairman has sparked considerable discussion and reaction across Nigeria’s political space. Many Nigerians expressed shock over this development, as it was largely unforeseen. However, the ruling All Progressives Congress has emphasized that Ganduje’s decision to step down was made in good faith and aligned with personal priorities.

Dr. Ganduje, who previously served two terms as the Governor of Kano State, formally resigned from his prominent party position last week, citing personal and urgent matters as the motivation behind his decision. The APC leadership, in response to this move, confirmed that it had accepted his resignation and had already initiated processes to appoint his replacement.

While speaking during an interview aired on Channels Television, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu clarified that the real reason for Ganduje’s resignation was related to his health. Kalu elaborated on their recent conversation, stating,

“I was just with the national chairman two weeks ago at his residence, and we discussed extensively about health, about the party, and about other important matters. Health issues are things you cannot fully anticipate or ignore.”

As reported by LMSINT MEDIA, there are still speculations among the public suggesting that while Ganduje cited health-related challenges, his loyal supporters believe that the reasons may extend beyond medical concerns. Some Nigerians have linked Ganduje’s resignation to possible political calculations ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.

Additionally, there are narratives suggesting that the arrival of the National Leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) into the APC could have played a role in Ganduje’s decision to step down, with claims that this political shift might have influenced his resignation.

However, Kalu was quick to reject those claims, maintaining that Ganduje’s health was the sole and genuine reason for stepping aside. He described Ganduje as a loyal ally and a close associate of the President, noting that Ganduje had no unresolved issues with the presidency that could have forced him out of office. Kalu stated:

“He is a very close friend of the President. If it were not genuinely health issues, he would have said otherwise. Nigerians, whether powerful or ordinary citizens, should take him at his word, because he is in good standing with the President.”

Orji Kalu further dismissed any suggestions that the entry of NNPP’s national leader into the APC influenced Ganduje’s exit. According to him, Ganduje made the personal choice to prioritize his health, reiterating the common saying that “health is wealth.” Kalu went on to stress the demands of leading a major party like the APC, highlighting the high-pressure nature of the job, which involves traveling from state to state and managing complex political interests.

“Can he really continue moving from one end of the country to another, from Sokoto to Rivers, from Kebbi to Calabar, from Yobe to Abia, and then to Lagos, non-stop? It is a very demanding and challenging assignment. I honestly believe him,” Kalu said.

He also expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership style, suggesting that if Ganduje had been asked to resign, the President would have made it clear and direct rather than hidden it behind another excuse.

“The President is bold and courageous enough to say to him directly, ‘step down, your services are no longer required,’ but I do not believe that is what happened,” Kalu emphasized.

Kalu reminded Nigerians of Ganduje’s longstanding support for President Tinubu even before other politicians openly endorsed him, demonstrating their political closeness and shared loyalty.

“They are very close, and let us not forget that when Ganduje was governor, he was among the first to support Tinubu publicly before others came on board. Nigerians should learn to trust the words of their leaders,” he concluded.