The Senior Special Assistant to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman on Public Enlightenment, Chief Oliver Okpala, has denied recent allegations that Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the party’s National Chairman, is orchestrating a plot to dethrone Emir Mohammad Lamido Sanusi.
Rumors have circulated on social media, suggesting a “fresh plot” led by Ganduje to remove Sanusi as the Emir of Kano.
The reports, which referenced unnamed sources from the Kofar Kudu Palace and influential figures in Kano, claim that Ganduje is behind efforts to dethrone the former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor and current Chairman of the Kano Council of Chiefs.
Chief Okpala, responding to the controversy, rejected these allegations, asserting that Ganduje has no involvement in any such scheme.
He emphasized that Ganduje is no longer the governor of Kano State nor the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and thus has no role in any decision to dethrone or enthrone an Emir.
He clarified that Ganduje, having moved on from his tenure as governor, has shifted his focus to national issues, particularly leading the APC.
Okpala stated that Ganduje is satisfied with his contributions to Kano during his time as governor, which included significant infrastructural developments and the delivery of democratic dividends.
Dismissing the reports as “laughable,” Okpala expressed disbelief that Ganduje, who left the Kano governorship years ago, would be accused of masterminding such a plot.
He also refuted claims that Ganduje is attempting to pressure Emir Ado Bayero to abdicate the throne for the sake of peace.
Further rejecting allegations that Ganduje is using his influence in the Presidency to interfere with Kano’s traditional institutions, Okpala stated that such claims are absurd.
He highlighted Ganduje’s strong relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and assured that no blackmail or false accusations could harm their partnership.
Okpala concluded by emphasizing Ganduje’s national standing and his focus on leading the APC, stating that those behind these allegations are attempting to malign his reputation.
He urged the sponsors of the reports to desist from dragging Ganduje into irrelevant traditional matters.
