The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has downplayed concerns over a possible fallout from the resignation of the party’s National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Speaking at a media interaction organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone B – a body representing journalists from the South-West – Basiru made it clear that Ganduje’s exit does not signal any crisis within the party ranks.

“If you look at the statement issued by the party, he was commended for the efforts he made in repositioning the party. Under his watch, we have more states coming into the party and administratively, the party was strengthened since our joint election as the National Chairman and the National Secretary on 3rd August, 2023,” Basiru said.

Ganduje had stepped down from the top position amid speculation that former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, may be making moves to defect to the APC.

But Basiru dismissed the noise, insisting there is no internal tension brewing as a result.

“And this is not the first time that the party’s official has resigned. It is upon the resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu as National Chairman and Senator Iyiola Omisore that we assumed office on 3rd August 2023. So the resignation of Dr Abdullahi Umar Gandunje does not portend any crisis. It is speculation,” he added.

Basiru, said the party has continued to grow stronger under the leadership of committed individuals and that Ganduje’s legacy includes expanding the party’s footprint across the country.

In the same breath, the APC chieftain also addressed a growing rumour in Osun State political circles — that Governor Ademola Adeleke, a PDP stalwart, may be considering jumping ship to the APC. He didn’t mince words in his response.

“Adeleke is not joining our party. I know that as of today, decamping is not on board. Although APC is a beautiful bride for anybody that wants to join, I must say here that as a party man and an established politician, I would say that I am one of the people that is extremely loyal to Mr President,” Basiru affirmed.