Politics

Ex-Senator Mocks Ganduje Over Sudden Recovery from Illness for Another Appointment

Former senator and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Babafemi Ojudu, has taken a swipe at Abdullahi Ganduje over his rapid return to public office, less than two weeks after resigning as the party’s national chairman on health grounds. Ojudu made his remarks in a pointed statement shared on his LinkedIn page on Friday.

“Could our indefatigable leader, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, kindly enlighten Nigerians on the nature of the mysterious illness that made him step down as National Chairman of our party—only to bounce back in under two weeks, ready for yet another high-profile national assignment?” he wrote, in an apparent jab at the former Kano State governor.

Ganduje officially resigned as APC national chairman on 27 June, citing ill-health in a letter submitted to the party. However, sources familiar with internal party dynamics suggest that political pressure and allegations of corruption also played a role in his departure. His time as chairman, which began in August 2023, was marred by controversy, including reports that party aspirants, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory, were forced to pay exorbitant fees to secure nomination tickets.

Following Ganduje’s resignation, Ali Dalori, then the deputy national chairman (North), was appointed to replace him. But just weeks later, Ganduje was back in the spotlight—this time as chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), a post he was inaugurated into by Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo. Though not a strictly political role, such appointments are often viewed as rewards for political loyalty.

Ojudu, who previously served as political adviser to former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, questioned the sincerity of Ganduje’s earlier claim of ill-health, asking whether the ailment was caused by “political fatigue,” “chairmanship-induced hypertension,” or perhaps “an allergy to accountability.” He added with sarcasm that Nigerians deserve to know the identity of the “miracle doctor” or the “wonder drug” responsible for Ganduje’s apparent swift recovery.

“More urgently, who is the miracle doctor behind this rapid resurrection? Nigerians deserve to know! Many are battling real health challenges. This miracle drug—whatever it is—must be shared in the national interest,” he wrote. “We are not selfish in our party. Anything that works for one comrade should work for the rest of us. Transparency, after all, is the best medicine.”