In a subtle message to President Bola Tinubu, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, on Saturday took to his social media handle, X (formerly Twitter) to commend the decision of Dr. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ganduje to resign from his position as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on health ground, stating that it “has thrown a challenge to other leaders who, due to health-related issues, are no longer able to deliver optimally”.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that the former Kano State governor resigned from his position with immediate effect on Friday thereby fueling speculations that he was stampeded out of office due to internal pressure and some party dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, in a statement released Friday night, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, announced that Ganduje resigned to focus on “urgent and important personal matters.”
Morka said, “In his letter of resignation addressed to the National Working Committee (NWC) through the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, Dr. Ganduje expressed his gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the opportunity to serve the party at the highest level”.
But reacting to the development, in a veiled reference to Tinubu who often travel out of the country for medical care, Obi said in his statement that the country could no longer afford “leadership defined by medical tourism, long holidays or absenteeism caused by age-related ailments”, stressing that “These things are taking a serious toll on our development”.
The former Anambra State governor who is still eyeing the presidency in 2027, wrote, “I have just read a news report that the National Chairman of the ruling party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has resigned from his position with immediate effect, citing health challenges as the reason.
“I must commend Dr. Ganduje for prioritising his health above all else. With his health reportedly in decline, it is both wise and honourable to step aside, knowing that he may no longer be able to render the level of service required by the party, the people, and the nation.
“By this exemplary action, Dr. Ganduje has thrown a challenge to other leaders who, due to health-related issues, are no longer able to deliver optimally. I sincerely hope they take a cue from him.
“The challenges confronting our nation today require leaders who are not only competent but also physically and mentally fit, leaders with the capacity and agility to respond decisively and promptly to pressing issues.”
Obi therefore prayed for Ganduje to have a fulfilling retirement.
In a swift response to fill the leadership gap, President Tinubu has directed the Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, to immediately assume the role of Acting National Chairman.
The president also instructed Dalori to urgently convene a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to formally address the leadership vacancy.