Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past Governor of Kano State, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in a swift political development that comes just days after his resignation as National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The appointment was officially announced during the formal inauguration of newly constituted FAAN board members, held in Abuja earlier this week. Ganduje now assumes leadership of one of the country’s most strategic government agencies, tasked with the regulation, management, and development of Nigeria’s airports.
Ganduje’s return to federal public service follows his recent and somewhat abrupt resignation from his position as APC National Chairman, a post he held for less than a year. His resignation, tendered last week, was attributed to “urgent and personal reasons,” though it has fuelled widespread speculation about internal party pressures and shifts within the ruling party’s top hierarchy.
Appointed in August 2023, Ganduje became National Chairman of the APC during a critical transition period for the party, following the exit of Senator Abdullahi Adamu. His tenure was marked by efforts to stabilise the party’s internal structures and to consolidate its political strength following the 2023 general elections, which saw President Bola Tinubu take office.
While Ganduje sought to portray unity within the party, his leadership was not without controversy. Allegations of internal party rifts, governance style criticisms, and legacy issues from his time as Kano State governor occasionally dominated headlines. His recent resignation took many by surprise and prompted swift moves within the APC to fill the leadership vacuum.
Ali Bukar Dalori, a prominent figure in Borno State politics and former Deputy National Chairman (North), has since been named Ganduje’s replacement as APC National Chairman.
Ganduje’s new appointment at FAAN is seen by some political observers as a strategic redeployment, allowing him to remain within the federal administrative framework while stepping away from the political spotlight. The move also underscores the continuing relevance of former state governors in national affairs, particularly under the current administration.
His stewardship of the FAAN board will be closely watched, especially given the ongoing concerns over infrastructure upgrades, airport safety standards, and aviation sector reforms in Nigeria.
Further details regarding the structure of the new FAAN board, and the precise scope of Ganduje’s responsibilities, are expected to be released in the coming days.
