Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has described the appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the new National Chairman of the party as a “strategic move” that comes at a critical period for the ruling party.
In a statement issued on Thursday and personally signed by the former Kano State governor, Ganduje extended his congratulations to Yilwatda, expressing confidence in his leadership capacity and ability to consolidate the party’s gains.
“The emergence of Prof. Yilwatda is very strategic, especially at this point in the life of our great party,” Ganduje said. “I have no doubt in his capacity, intellect, maturity, and administrative competence to move the APC forward.”
The former APC chair also lauded the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and other key stakeholders for ensuring a transparent, consensus-based selection process that led to Yilwatda’s emergence.
“I commend the NEC and other organs of the party for delivering a process that was both transparent and consensus-driven. This is the kind of unity and maturity the APC must continue to uphold,” he added.
Ganduje, who handed over the reins of the party after a tenure marked by internal consolidation efforts, urged his successor to build on the foundations already laid.
“I urge the new chairman to build on the legacies I left behind, just as I did with the efforts and achievements of my own predecessor,” he said.
The former chairman expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for what he called their “statesmanlike roles” in guiding the party through its leadership transition.
“Our President and Vice President have once again shown maturity and far-sightedness in the affairs of our great party. Their commitment to ensuring cohesion and stability within the APC is commendable,” he said.
“I urge all stakeholders to rally around the new leadership to deliver on the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Calling for unity within the party, Ganduje appealed to the National Working Committee, state chapters, and the youth and women wings to offer unwavering support to Prof. Yilwatda’s leadership.
“Unity, discipline, and loyalty must remain the cornerstone of our party,” he stressed. “I wish to assure Prof. Yilwatda of my unflinching support, counsel, and brotherly solidarity.”
Ganduje further called on APC governors, lawmakers, and members nationwide to give the new chairman the full backing he needs to build a “united, progressive, and inclusive” platform for all Nigerians.
He pledged to continue offering his political experience and support whenever needed and prayed for divine guidance for the new chairman.
“As I bow out with a sense of fulfillment, I remain available to offer my experience whenever called upon. I pray for wisdom, strength, and courage for Prof. Yilwatda as he leads our party in this season of both opportunity and responsibility.”
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, a former university professor and governorship candidate in Plateau State, officially assumed office following ratification by the APC’s highest decision-making body earlier this week.
Ganduje resigned as APC National Chairman citing health reasons. He has since been appointed into another position by the administration.
