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Tag: Abdullahi Ganduje

  • Tinubu meets APC Govs as party shops for new National Chairman

    Tinubu meets APC Govs as party shops for new National Chairman

    Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has confirmed that consultations are ongoing to select a new National Chairman for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Uzodimma, who is the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), disclosed this to newsmen after a closed-door meeting of APC governors in Abuja on Wednesday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that this follows the resignation of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman of the APC.

    Ganduje, a former Governor of Kano State, resigned from his position on June 27, citing health concerns. He was elected as the sixth national chairman of the party on Aug. 3, 2023.

    Since Ganduje’s departure, Ali Dalori has been serving in an acting capacity as national chairman.

    Uzodimma explained that the process to appoint a substantive replacement would be guided by the APC Constitution and would ultimately be decided by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

    “It would be premature for anyone to speculate at this point. Consultations are still ongoing,” he said.

    He noted that the governors’ meeting was part of preparations for the upcoming NEC meeting of the APC.

    “This meeting was part of our regular consultations among governors and key stakeholders aimed at strengthening the party’s programmes and ensuring effective governance as the ruling party,” Uzodimma said.

    He added that the governors also planned to meet with the President ahead of the NEC session.

    “Tomorrow by 2 p.m., the NEC of our great party will convene to discuss matters crucial to the future of the APC and, more importantly, how best to serve Nigerians.”

    Uzodimma expressed satisfaction with the reforms initiated by the President, noting that the party is focused on ensuring that the benefits of those reforms reach ordinary Nigerians.

    “We are optimistic that these reforms will yield lasting prosperity for the country, especially at the grassroots level,” he said.

    ALSO READ || Tinubu meets APC governors ahead of NEC meeting

    Meanwhile, as the party shops for a new National Chairman, President Bola Tinubu met with the APC governors at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.

  • JUST IN: Ganduje reportedly flown to London over health challenge

    JUST IN: Ganduje reportedly flown to London over health challenge

    In a sudden development, former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has reportedly been flown to a hospital in London following a serious health crisis.

    According to sources close to the family, the former APC chieftain was rushed out of the country in recent days as his condition deteriorated.

    He is said to be receiving emergency medical attention from a team of top specialists in the UK capital.

    While the full details of the health issue remain unclear, the situation has sparked widespread concern, especially among his political allies, associates, and supporters nationwide.

    Dr. Ganduje, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, served as Governor of Kano State from 2015 to 2023 and is currently the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Calls for prayers and well-wishes have poured in from both supporters and critics alike, with many urging Nigerians to put politics aside and show compassion during this critical time.

    “As a nation, we must rise above political divides and pray for his swift recovery,” a senior APC member revealed.

  • ‘He is upset Kwankwaso Is coming back to APC’ – ‘Real reason on Ganduje’s resignation emerges’

    ‘He is upset Kwankwaso Is coming back to APC’ – ‘Real reason on Ganduje’s resignation emerges’

    Following the unexpected resignation of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, on Friday, fresh revelations have surfaced over what prompted the former APC’s chairman sudden action.

    TheNewsGuru reports that sources within the party attributed Ganduje’s decision to mounting tension over alleged plans by his long-time political rival, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to defect to the APC.

    Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is reportedly in talks with President Bola Tinubu about a formal return to the ruling party.

    By 3:00 p.m. on Friday, anxiety had gripped the APC national secretariat in Abuja as top party officials scrambled to dissuade Ganduje from resigning.

    “We are currently pleading with him not to resign. He is upset that Kwankwaso is coming to the APC. I think the two of them are sworn enemies. All the stakeholders are begging him to stay,” one party insider revealed.

    Despite efforts to pacify him, news broke around 4:15 p.m. that Ganduje had officially stepped down.

    “He has eventually resigned. We couldn’t stop him. I think there is something deeply personal between him and Kwankwaso, who is set to join the APC following discussions with the President,” another source said.

    Although the resignation caught many off guard, the atmosphere at the APC headquarters remained calm.

    “There is no crisis. The chairman has just resigned, and people are here discussing the development,” a party official said.

    Ganduje and Kwankwaso’s rivalry dates back over a decade, rooted in their power struggle in Kano politics. Ganduje served as Kwankwaso’s deputy between 2011 and 2015, eventually succeeding him as governor—a transition that marked the beginning of a bitter and prolonged political feud.

  • APC appoints Acting National Chairman, reveals why Ganduje resigned

    APC appoints Acting National Chairman, reveals why Ganduje resigned

    National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje resigned from his position of Friday.

    Ganduje turned in his resignation letter to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), through its National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Bashiru.

    The former Kano State governor, in the letter, hinged his decision to throw in the towel on health grounds.

    Ganduje, who was elected as the sixth APC National Chairman on Aug. 3, 2023, said he had to step aside to enable him take care of his health.

    In line with the APC constitution, the Deputy National Chairman (North), Abubakar Dalori, is to take over the leadership of the party, pending the party’s national convention scheduled for December.

    It was gathered that Ganduje’s sudden resignation threw the party’s national headquarters into confusion, as staffers and party members were seen gathering in groups to discuss the development.

    A senior member of staff in the party’s administration department, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told newsmen that all the personal effects of the chairman and those of his aides had been removed from the office.

    The development threw members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) into panic, as some of them described Ganduje’s decision to quit his position as national chairman as a rude shock.

    APC confirms Ganduje’s resignation, appoints Acting National Chairman

    Meanwhile, APC National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, has confirmed the resignation of Ganduje as national chairman.

    Morka, who confirmed the development in a statement on Friday night, said that Ganduje’s resignation, which was to enable him to attend to urgent and important personal matters, was with immediate effect.

    Ganduje’s resignation letter, which he submitted earlier on Friday, was addressed to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), through the National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru.

    The former two term Kano State governor, in the letter, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve APC at the highest level.

    Morka said that the party’s Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, had been directed to assume the position of acting National Chairman, pending the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) in December.

    This, he said, was to immediately fill the vacancy created by Ganduje’s resignation.

    Ganduje assumed the leadership of APC in August 2023, following the resignation of his predecessor, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu.

    “Throughout his tenure, he dedicated himself to strengthening the party’s unity and cohesion, expounding its democratic ideals and enhancing the party’s electoral competitiveness.

    “The confidence placed in him by the party’s NEC and national caucus meetings in February 2025 was a profound recognition and honour for his service.

    “He leaves his position as national chairman with great pride in our collective achievements, including successful defections from opposition parties and legal affirmations of our party leadership’s legitimacy,” Morka said.

    He assured APC faithful that the party remained steadfast and unwavering in its mission to deliver transformative governance for all Nigerians, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The APC spokesman expressed  gratitude to Ganduje for his invaluable contributions and distinguished record of service to the party.

    He prayed for his good health and success in his future endeavours and in service to the nation and humanity.

  • 2027 poll: Abuja too important to be left in opposition – Ganduje

    2027 poll: Abuja too important to be left in opposition – Ganduje

    Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said  the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is too important to be left in the hands of opposition political parties.

    Ganduje said this on Thursday in Abuja while receiving some members of the opposition political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) who defected to its fold.

    The decampees were led by the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Chris Maikalangu, at the Abuja old parade ground.

    Ganduje said that the development was a confirmation that the FCT electorate was pleased with the APC and would vote en masse for it to re-elect President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

    He noted that Abuja should not be left in the hands of the opposition parties as the seat of power and the city that served as the rallying point of Nigerians.

    Ganduje, while speaking on how Tinubu appointed Abuja indigenes as members of his cabinet and other appointments, said the gale of defection of opposition members to the APC was a testament of its achievements over the years.

    He said it also spoke of the level of the party’s acceptability in the FCT and other parts of the country.

    The Minister of Special Duties, Zephaniah Jisalo, who addressed the crowd at the event tagged “Abuja Unity rally” ,lauded Tinubu for living up to his campaign promises to carry along Abuja indigenes in his administration.

    Jisalo, who is an indigene of the FCT, testified to Tinubu’s commitment to the empowerment of Abuja people.

    The Minister of State FCT, Hajia Mariya Bunkure, urged the FCT electorate to sustain their support for the APC-led administration, saying it was leaving no stone unturned in uplifting their well being.

    Dignitaries that graced the event include the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, FCT Area Council Chairmen, councillors and stalwarts from across the country.

  • APC will remain in power for a very long time – Ganduje

    APC will remain in power for a very long time – Ganduje

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje has said the ruling party will remain in power for a very long time. Ganduje noted that the recent victory of the party in Edo and Ondo States governorship election was not a fluke, but an attestation that Nigerians had embraced the APC as their party.

    After winning the governorship election conducted in Ondo on Saturday, the APC National Chairman also said the next target of the party is to claim Osun and Oyo States.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ganduje said this shortly after Lucky Ayedatiwa of the APC was declared winner of the Ondo election on Sunday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “In this geopolitical zone, we must deliver 100 percent in favour of APC; therefore, Ondo state must be at the forefront. The two other states, I will not reveal our secret, but we assure you, we are strategising. Everything must be 100 percent behind President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “Our next target in the southwest, and you know we are good at hitting our targets, is Osun State and Oyo State. We assure you that we will do all that is possible to bring them into the fold,” Ganduje said.

    Speaking further, the APC National Chairman said Ayedatiwa’s victory in the Ondo governorship election was a triumph for democracy and the people of the State.

    Ganduje said the remarkable success at the poll was a testament to the trust and confidence the people of Ondo State had in his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to their well-being.

    He said Ayedatiwa’s victory was not just a win for the APC, but a triumph for democracy and the enduring will of the people.

    Ganduje noted that the recent victory of the party in Edo and Ondo States governorship election was not a fluke, but an attestation that Nigerians had embraced the APC as their party. He assured that the party would remain in power for a very long time.

    The APC national chairman added that the election was a clear reflection of the collective aspirations of the people of Ondo State, who had chosen continuity, progress, and development over retrogression.

    He commended INEC for conducting a transparent, credible, and peaceful election, which further consolidates Nigeria’s democratic gains.

    Ganduje also lauded the security agencies and stakeholders for ensuring a conducive environment for voters to exercise their franchise freely.

    He expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Sen. Hope Uzodimma, APC National Working Committee (NWC) and the party’s supporters across Ondo State.

    Ganduje added that their hard work, resilience, and unity of purpose, played a pivotal role in securing the well-deserved victory.

    He urged Ayedatiwa to remain focused on delivering people-oriented policies and programmes that would uplift the living standards of the people of the state as he embarked on another term of service.

    The APC chairman assured the governor of the party’s unwavering support and commitment to his administration’s success.

    “I congratulate Ayedatiwa, the great people of Ondo State, and the entire APC family on this historic achievement,” Ganduje said.

  • Don’t waste your time fighting Obaseki – Ganduje tells Okpebholo

    Don’t waste your time fighting Obaseki – Ganduje tells Okpebholo

    Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC National Chairman on Thursday in Abuja, advised Sen. Monday Okpebholo, Edo Governor-elect against probing the out-going administration of Gov. Godwin Obaseki.

    He gave the advice when Okpebholo paid a courtesy visit on the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), saying he should rather focus on enthroning good governance when he assumed office.

    “The ideals of democracy were upheld, the election was executed, and we are on the winning side, you should not focus on the previous administration.

    “Look forward, don’t look back, and don’t waste your time fighting the person you took over from, there is no need. A progressive government does not have time for that.

    “Focus on the manifesto you painstakingly produced, follow it to the letter with the socio-economic development of the people, build bridges.

    “Establish good relationships with the stakeholders, think forward and be an action governor,” Ganduje advised.

    He noted that during the campaign, Okpebholo was an action candidate and now, an action governor-elect, saying the APC had believe that he would succeed and make the people of Edo proud.

    Ganduje said the party was ready to assist the governor-elect to deliver on his campaign promises, but said he must ensure that from the Ward to Local Government and State levels, all party offices were functional and physically habitable.

    “We have recently established a progressive institute, the intellectual wing of the party, which will assist in the training of your personnel.

    “Especially at the local government level, help to harness the demands of the Nigerian people to form a political agenda for the government,” the APC national chairman said.

    He said the institution would not only be active during election period, but throughout the year, creating programmes and projects to enthrone good governance.

    Earlier, Okpebholo said winning the election held on Sept. 21, was not an easy task, adding that the presence of Ganduje in Edo days before the election, played a significant role in the party’s success at the poll.

    “It wasn’t an easy one. I know how many times the chairman called me asking how I was preparing for the election.

    “He said I want to be in Edo five days before the election, yes, he came to the state, he was there, and everybody knew he came, and his impact was great,” Okpebholo recalled.

    He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu , saying he helped the party to secure Edo and ensure absolute peace in the state during and after the election.

    He added that in spite of the fears ahead of the poll, no death was recorded on the Election Day and the people of the state were happy with the party’s victory because it signified a new dawn.

    “A new dawn has risen. I want to thank the APC NWC once more for the job well done, I pray that God gives all of you long life and gives us prosperity,” he said.

    Obaseki-led administration in Edo, is expected to hand over the leadership of the state to Okpebholo on November 12.

  • APC will capture all South West states — Ganduje

    APC will capture all South West states — Ganduje

    The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has expressed the party’s determination to secure all Southwest states, starting with the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.

    Ganduje made this statement during a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, Ondo’s capital, where he outlined the APC’s strategy for future elections in the region.

    The Southwest consists of six states: Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ogun, and Ekiti. Currently, the APC governs all except Osun and Oyo, which are controlled by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). While the APC holds power in Ondo, it faces a tough battle against the PDP in the upcoming election. But the APC hopes that a decisive victory in Ondo will set the stage for capturing all Southwest states, solidifying its dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Addressing the gathering, Ganduje emphasised the importance of uniting APC members across the Southwest to ensure electoral success. He stated that the party’s strategy for winning Oyo and Osun would remain confidential, but insisted that the entire region must rally behind President Bola Tinubu.

    “In this geopolitical zone, we must deliver 100% in favour of the APC. Ondo must lead the way, and we will capture Oyo and Osun,” Ganduje said.

    He expressed confidence in Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s chances of re-election, announcing that Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu would lead the party’s National Campaign Council for the Ondo election.

    “We are expecting 90% of the votes in this election. Visit every house and ensure people come out to vote,” Ganduje urged.

    He also encouraged party aspirants who lost in the APC primary to unite behind Aiyedatiwa, reminding them that “there is no victor, no vanquished.”

    Sanwo-Olu noted that the APC could not afford to lose Ondo to opposition parties. He urged party members to set aside their differences for the sake of the party’s success.

    Also speaking, Ekiti state Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji described the upcoming Ondo State governorship election as a pivotal moment for the Southwest region.

    He urged the people to unite in delivering victory for the APC, stressing that they must preserve the legacy of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu by ensuring the party retains the governorship.

    Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele highlighted the significance of the stakeholders’ meeting, stating that it came at a crucial time when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu needed stronger support from the Southwest.

    Aspirants from the April 25 APC primary, including Chief Olusola Oke, Wale Akinterinwa, and Oladunni Odu, expressed their commitment to the party.

     

  • Why I am happy we won Edo State – APC National Chairman

    Why I am happy we won Edo State – APC National Chairman

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje has said he is “so happy” the ruling party has finally reclaimed Edo State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ganduje said this shortly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented Certificates of Return to the Edo State Governor-elect, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa.

    Recall that INEC had on Sunday declared Okpebholo of APC winner of the Edo governorship election haven secured 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who had 247,274 votes and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) with 22,763 votes.

    The Certificates of Return were presented by INEC National Commissioner in charge of Edo State, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, at the commission’s national headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.

    Speaking shortly to newsmen after the event, Ganduje said Okpebholo has the experience and blueprint to develop Edo State.

    “Edo State was an APC State. Later on, the Governor as a nomadic politician, cross carpeted to PDP, but today, we fought for it and we have recovered our State for the APC.

    “I am so happy because essentially, our Governor-elect and experienced politician, a distinguished Senator has a blueprint for the development of Edo State and we assure you, you will see great changes,” Ganduje said.

    Also speaking, a former governor of the state, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, said that the people of Edo were happy for having a governor that would not be fighting people and institutions, but would respect them.

    “The important thing that I am happy about is that Edo people now have a new governor who will not disrespect them.

    “We now have a governor who will respect our traditional institutions, the heart of our culture. We now have a governor who will not be fighting about artifacts.

    “We now have a governor who will not demolish a hospital and replace it with a museum. We now have a governor who understands the value of education and will not destroy a library and replace it with a market. For me, this is what excites Edo people.”

    Other dignitaries at the event were members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), the Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu among others.

  • 2027 general election will be walkover for APC – North Central elders

    2027 general election will be walkover for APC – North Central elders

    Some elders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the North Central led by a former Senate President, Ameh Ebute, have expressed optimism that the 2027 general election would be a walkover for the party.

    They spoke while on a visit to the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Monday to congratulate Abdullahi Ganduje, on his victory at the High Court in a suit which sought his removal as chairman.

    The suit was filed by the North Central APC Forum which sought the court to declare Ganduje’s chairmanship of the party as a breach of the provisions of Article 7(vii) and (ix) of the party’s constitution and the consensus reached at the 2022 National Convention held in Abuja, that the national chairman of the APC from 2022 to 2026 must be someone from the North Central geopolitical zone of the country.

    Ebute said, “We feel we should be the first to come and congratulate you on your winning of the Edo governorship election for the party; for adding Edo to states controlled by the APC. We have no doubt in your ability to lead this party to a higher level.

    “We are happy that the suit seeking your sack as national chairman was struck out. We are solidly behind you and we shall continue to support you to take the party to the next level. With these achievements, we believe 2027 will be a walk over.”

    Similarly, a former presidential aspirant, Cesnabmilhilo Oken’oval who was part of the delegation said, “We are very happy with your leadership and we will continue to support you. 2027 election will be the greatest shock, we will cary it clear and clean.”

    Speaking on his victory at the federal High Court, Abuja during the visit, Ganduje said, “There is no doubt that claim was baseless and was treated by the court as such. We don’t fear such baseless litigations.”

    On Edo election, he said, “The election of Saturday is an indication that our efforts are yielding results.
    Fighting an incumbent government is not easy.”