Ganduje Survives Removal As NEC Passes Vote Of Confidence

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

There had been calls for the replacement of Ganduje with a candidate from the North Central zone. However, the new development has ended months of speculations about a possible leadership shake-up within the ruling party.

The decision came during the NEC meeting held on Wednesday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, attended by President Bola Tinubu.

The vote of confidence reaffirmed Ganduje’s position following his presentation on the party’s achievements and challenges since assuming office.

In his address, Ganduje highlighted the party’s electoral victories in Imo, Kogi, Edo, and Ondo states while acknowledging their loss in Bayelsa.

He also outlined ongoing preparations for the upcoming elections in Anambra and Osun states.

“The journey has been challenging, but we have collectively risen to the occasion. We have engaged party members, strengthened international relations, and improved our membership base,” he said.

“We won governorship elections in Imo, Kogi, Edo, and Ondo, though unfortunately, we lost in Bayelsa. Our focus is now on Anambra and Osun states, and we have begun preparations for the upcoming elections,” he stated.

The APC chairman also emphasised ongoing reconciliation efforts within the party and revealed that dialogue among aggrieved members was yielding positive results.

“We have embarked on massive reconciliation efforts, initiating high-level discussions to resolve differences among party members. The Conflict Reconciliation Committee, which you are about to approve, will build on this,” Ganduje assured.

Ganduje announced the formal engagement of Tunmef Global Limited for a membership registration exercise as part of the party’s membership drive.

He further mentioned the establishment of the Progressive Institute, an independent and self-sustaining think tank, as part of the party’s achievements.

“After a rigorous registration process with the relevant agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Justice, National Board for Technical Education, and the Corporate Affairs Commission, the institute is now fully recognized as a training center,” Ganduje revealed.

The APC chairman further revealed that his administration inherited financial liabilities, with debts and legal obligations amounting to N8.98bn due to pre-election matters, election disputes, and appeals.

He appealed to the NEC for financial intervention while noting that the APC National Legal Adviser has been working to resolve the liabilities through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Among the party’s achievements, Ganduje announced the establishment of the Progressive Institute and the formal engagement of Tunmef Global Limited for a membership registration exercise as part of the party’s ongoing membership drive.

President Tinubu, who addressed the meeting, commended the National Working Committee for their efforts and stressed the importance of reconciliation among party members.

“I have heard your various remarks on how we have strengthened the security of our sovereignty and food security in the country. I am happy that food prices are going down, especially during this Ramadan period,” Tinubu stated.

The president also commended the electoral successes of the ruling party in various states as well as the increasing number of APC members in the National Assembly.

He urged party leaders to sustain the momentum of progressive governance and emphasized the need for reconciliation among aggrieved members.

“The National Working Committee (NWC) is doing a good job, and I am happy with them. In all the various states, let us set up reconciliatory committees to liaise with aggrieved leaders. I am appealing to them, please be calm,” Tinubu added.

Ganduje had mentioned that dialogue among aggrieved members was yielding positive results and announced the appointment of Zonal Coordinating Governors to work closely with APC National Vice Chairmen on critical party matters.

The appointed Zonal Coordinators include Governor Hope Uzodinma for South East, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for South West, Governor Mai Mala Buni for North East, Governor Uba Sani for North West, Governor Bassey Otu for South South, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for North Central.

Ganduje also used the occasion to appeal to President Tinubu for assistance in acquiring a new and befitting National Secretariat complex, revealing that the party has formally applied for land at the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

The NEC meeting, which brought together key party figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, concluded at 2:26 p.m. with a motion for adjournment moved by Engr. Patrick Ndubeze, seconded by Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi.