President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Board has sparked debate over its implications for his position as the party’s leader.
Ganduje, a former Kano State governor, was named alongside other APC National Working Committee (NWC) members in a list of 42 appointees to federal boards and agencies. While some see the dual role as routine, others interpret it as a prelude to significant restructuring within the party.
North Central Zone’s Push for APC Chairmanship
The North Central zone, which has been advocating for the APC chairmanship since Senator Abdullahi Adamu’s resignation, views Ganduje’s new appointment as an opportunity to reclaim the position.
“We are gradually inching toward 2027. Mr. President must do the right thing by returning the chairmanship to the North Central,” a party source told Daily Trust.
Sale Zazzaga, leader of the North Central APC Forum, reiterated the demand, stating, “The President must correct this imbalance by restoring the chairmanship to the North Central.”
The forum has also filed a lawsuit against Ganduje, claiming his appointment violates pre-2023 election zoning agreements.
Political analysts and party insiders speculate that Ganduje’s appointment could be part of a broader strategy to prepare for leadership changes ahead of the 2027 elections.
Chief Jackson Lekan Ojo, an APC chieftain, suggested the appointments might serve as “soft landings” for Ganduje and other NWC members. He hinted that the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) could dissolve the current NWC during its next meeting to facilitate a new leadership structure.
However, credible APC sources have dismissed the rumors, stating that Ganduje’s new role does not conflict with his responsibilities as chairman.
Bala Ibrahim, APC’s National Director of Publicity, rejected claims that Ganduje’s FAAN appointment undermines his leadership position.
“This appointment does not interfere with Ganduje’s duties as national chairman,” Ibrahim said. He labeled the allegations as baseless, accusing critics of attempting to diminish Ganduje’s relevance.
Ibrahim also countered the North Central zone’s zoning complaints, pointing out that the region already holds the position of National Legal Adviser, currently occupied by Prof. Kana.
“Critics should ask themselves if the legal adviser will also be sacked,” he remarked, dismissing the claims as unfounded.
As the APC prepares for the 2027 elections, the ongoing debate over zoning, party leadership, and Ganduje’s dual roles reflects deeper power dynamics within the party. Whether these developments signal a broader restructuring or are merely administrative decisions remains to be seen.
