Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kano State, has firmly dismissed widespread rumors suggesting that he intends to run for president in the 2027 elections. These rumors stem from a recently circulated poster on social media, which falsely portrays Ganduje as the APC presidential candidate, with Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State depicted as his running mate.
The controversial poster, which has been making rounds on various social media platforms, features Ganduje dressed in a blue Babariga, a traditional Nigerian attire, alongside Uzodimma, who is shown wearing a white outfit and a red cap. The poster is emblazoned with the slogan: “The Winning Team 2027. Vote APC 2027. For Nigerians, prosperity and human development,” insinuating a powerful partnership between the two prominent APC leaders for the upcoming presidential race.
However, in a swift and unequivocal response, Ganduje, through a statement released by his spokesperson, Edwin Olofu, in Abuja, denounced the poster as entirely fabricated and maliciously designed to create discord within the party. He categorically denied any plans to run for the presidency in 2027, describing the claims as baseless and a deliberate attempt to drive a wedge between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ganduje Accuses Mischief-Makers of Plotting Discord
In the statement, Ganduje pointed fingers at what he described as “mischief-makers,” possibly linked to the Kwankwassiyya movement, a political faction led by his long-time political rival, Rabiu Kwankwaso. However, according to Ganduje, these individuals are intent on causing disaffection between him and President Tinubu, whom he described as a leader steering Nigeria in the right direction towards prosperity and unity.
“This is to inform the general public that the poster currently circulating on social media, claiming that the APC national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, is contesting for the presidency in 2027 with Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as his running mate, is entirely false and a malicious piece of fake news,” the statement reads.
Furthermore, Ganduje made it clear that his loyalty to President Tinubu remains unshakable, and he remains fully committed to supporting the President’s vision and leadership. Moreover, he urged the public to disregard the fake poster, emphasizing that it was a calculated move by certain elements to create unnecessary tension and disunity within the APC.
APC Reaffirms Support for President Tinubu’s Leadership
In addition to Ganduje’s denial, the All Progressives Congress also issued a statement condemning the spread of the false information. The party warned the public against falling prey to such misinformation, which it said was intended to destabilize the party and undermine its efforts in governing the country.
The APC emphasized that the party, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, is focused on driving the nation towards economic growth, political stability, and social development. The party called on its members and supporters to remain vigilant and to verify any information they come across before sharing it, particularly on social media platforms where misinformation can easily spread.
The release of the fake poster comes at a time when Nigeria is still grappling with various economic challenges, and as the 2027 election cycle approaches, the political landscape is expected to become even more volatile. The swift rebuttal by Ganduje and the APC signals their intent to manage the narrative and prevent any internal strife that could harm the party’s chances in future elections.
Source: Punch
