The Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Public Enlightenment, Chief Oliver Okpala, has strongly refuted circulating rumors suggesting that the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, is involved in a new plot to dethrone Emir Mohammad Lamido Sanusi.
A viral social media report titled, “Ganduje Leads Fresh Plot to Dethrone Emir Mohammad Sanusi,” claimed that Ganduje, along with influential figures in Kano, is orchestrating the removal of the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano Council of Chiefs.
In response, Chief Okpala dismissed the allegations, labeling them as false and baseless. He emphasized that Dr. Ganduje, having completed his term as Governor of Kano State, is neither involved in the state’s political processes nor has any authority to influence the appointment or removal of traditional rulers.
“It is important to clarify that Dr. Ganduje has no involvement in the current enthronement or dethronement of Emir Mohammad Sanusi in Kano,” Okpala stated. “He is no longer the Governor or the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and, as such, cannot be associated with any ongoing Emirship matters.”
Chief Okpala further ridiculed claims suggesting Ganduje’s intention to advise the current Emir, Ado Bayero, to step down from the throne. “It is absurd to accuse a former governor, who has been out of office for years, of masterminding such a plot,” he added.
He also condemned the insinuations that Ganduje would use his influence within the Presidency to manipulate traditional matters in Kano. According to Okpala, such accusations aim to damage the strong relationship between Dr. Ganduje and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Okpala concluded by affirming that Ganduje is fully focused on his duties as APC National Chairman and is no longer involved in Kano’s traditional or political affairs. He urged the sponsors of these allegations to desist from spreading misinformation and attempting to tarnish Ganduje’s reputation.
