National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has been commended for orchestrating a pivotal meeting which drew stakeholders from across all the 44 Local Government Areas in Kano State on Thursday.
Kogi State-born chieftain of the APC, Seyi Olorunsola, gave the commendation during an interactive session with journalists in Lokoja. He was in Kogi State capital for the inauguration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Saturday.
In a commendable display of statesmanship, Olorunsola recalled that the Kano peace meeting at the instance of the APC National Chairman held in the aftermath of the Supreme Court ruling which favoured the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, where Ganduje addressed contemporary issues in the political landscape and potential developments, including the speculated move of NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his followers to the APC.
According to Olorunsola, Ganduje’s visit effectively diffused apprehension, as he reassured party members that there was no need for concern in the face of prevailing circumstances.
According to Olorunsola, “at the end of the meeting, all of the gathered stakeholders of the party stated that they were satisfied with Ganduje’s shared thoughts and promised to close ranks and remain faithful party members. The Chairman’s visit not only clarified the party’s stance on potential new members but also extended an open invitation to Governor Yusuf of the NNPP, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, the former Governor of the State and members of other political parties to join the APC. Particularly excited about Ganduje’s visit were the APC Youth Wing in the State; the overwhelming welcome they gave the Chairman is an indication of their joy and excitement and this was evidenced by the massive billboards and banners inscribing “BABA OYOYO” all over the city of Kano to welcome Dr. Ganduje.
The APC Chairman’s commitment to maintaining peace amid challenging circumstances reflects the true character of a statesman. His efforts have not only resolved perceived disagreements within the party but have consistently averted crises since he assumed the role of Chairman, establishing him as a bridge builder”.
He added that “the recent peace parley in Kano further highlighted Ganduje’s dedication to fostering unity within the party. His role in the recent elections in Imo and Kogi States, where the APC emerged victorious, underscores his contribution to consolidating the gains of the party in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
“It is worth noting that Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is a faithful party man who has remained loyal not just to candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu (during which he traversed the length and breathe of Nigeria to canvass for votes for the then aspirant and eventually the party’s candidate) but also went all out during the Presidential Elections itself, to play a pivotal role in mobilizing the highest number of votes in any single state for the APC. This contributed significantly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory, as his overall vote tally surpassed that of his opponents. Dr. Ganduje’s loyalty to the President and the APC is absolutely unquestionable.
“As Ganduje leads the party hierarchy to Lokoja for the inauguration of the new administration in Kogi State, it is an opportune moment to commend his unwavering commitment to deepening democracy and ensuring stability in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“We would also like to call on the Progressive Governors’ Forum to express their gratitude to the APC National Chairman for his exceptional leadership. A letter of commendation, acknowledging his efforts in uniting the party, ensuring internal cohesion, upholding democracy, and mobilizing forces for electoral victories, would undoubtedly be a fitting tribute to his remarkable contributions.
Furthermore, we applaud Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for demonstrating not only his physical stamina but also his mental capacity in leading the party. An exemplary instance of such vigor was witnessed on Thursday when he conducted the Peace parley in Kano, returned to Abuja, and within 24 hours, he is leading the party’s delegation to the inauguration of the Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo in Lokoja.
His commitment to the progress and growth of the party, as evidenced by his tireless efforts, serves as an inspiration to all. Ganduje’s strong physical strength and mental capacity perfectly match the demands of his role, making him an exemplary leader in our democratic journey”.
