TheNewsGuru

Tag: Abdullahi Ganduje

  • I didn’t call for Ganduje’s resignation – Alia

    I didn’t call for Ganduje’s resignation – Alia

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has denied calling for the resignation of Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman.

    This was contained in a press statement issued on Wednesday in Makurdi by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Tersoo Kula.

    The CPS was reacting to some media reports that the governor has called for the resignation of the APC national chairman.

    The Kula said the governor at no time called for the resignation of the APC national chairman.

    He said the governor enjoyed a good relationship with the Ganduje-led leadership of APC.

    “It is imperative to clarify that at no point did Governor Alia assembled, attended and sent a representative or participated in any meeting to discuss the removal or call for resignation of Alhaji. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

    “The Benue State governor remains firm in his support and allegiance to the leadership of the National Working Committee of the APC, under the leadership of Alhaji Ganduje.

    “Furthermore, at no point, whether publicly or privately, has the governor advocated or expressed any desire for the resignation of the National party chairman”, he said.

    He said the governor was focused positively changing the fortunes of the state.

    “He is alive to his responsibilities as the leader of APC in Benue State and is doing everything legitimate to reposition the party for future victories.” Kula said.

  • Nigeria ‘ll overcome its challenges soon – Ganduje

    Nigeria ‘ll overcome its challenges soon – Ganduje

    Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says Nigeria will soon overcome its challenges, going by recent developments.

    Ganduje said this when he received the Concerned North Central APC Stakeholders and Elders Forum in Abuja.
    “There is no doubt that there is an opposition, but we believe with your cooperation, we will not continue to listen to undesirable elements who are not focused.

    “Who are not real party men, who want to see us that we are in disarray, we have no place for that, we are people, politicians who are committed.

    “We know we are forging ahead, these assaults on Mr President, these assaults on Nigerians, we believe we will soon be out of these problems.

    “We have to thank the president for his renewed Hope Agenda; efforts, commitment and we assure him that we are 100 per cent for him,” he said.

    Earlier, Sen. Ameh Ebute, a former President of the Senate who led the delegation, said that the visit was to express appreciation to Ganduje for his leadership style.

    He said the visit was also to encourage him to continue to do more for the APC as its national chairman.
    “Indeed,  we have, counted among us, grassroots and eminent leaders of communities and associations that are passionately APC in their political leanings and identities.

    “We are from communities in Benue, Plateau, Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Kwara,” he said.

    Ebute said the forum was not unaware of some moves by some individuals in the North Central, calling for the shifting of the APC national chairmanship to the zone.

    “While we acknowledge the efforts of these advocates of returning the chairman’s office to North Central.
    “We however, believe that the more compelling reason for anybody to advance the manner of person that will occupy the office of the national chairman of our party.

    “Should be about consideration for track record of performance as shown in winning political contests against the opposition.

    “Equally important, is how the rank and file members of the party are directly benefiting from the activities of the party across the country,” he said.

    He said that Ganduje was not just a performing national chairman, but a chairman that had done well in the shortest possible time.

    “Ganduje has positively impacted individual members of the APC while the party had recorded impressive electoral strides bereft of rancour under his leadership.

    “By these considerations, we hereby declare our unalloyed support for you to continue to manage the affairs of our great party,”he said.

    He expressed happiness that the party’s membership register had been digitalised in alignment with global best practices.

    “This is a first in the political history of our great country. This translates to mean that while the opposition was busy doing nothing.

    “You put your hand to the plough and got busy working and thinking for the party,” Ebute said, adding that Ganduje was blazing a new trail in ideological politics in the country’s political annals.

    He added that with the Progressive Institute that Ganduje was structuring, APC members could boastfully tell opposition parties that they were not the same.

    “Thanks to you.Your Excellency,our party is not only ideological driven, it has a school where we impart knowledge and leadership grooming for our members.

    “You have done very well and for that reason you have our undiluted support,” Ebute said.

     

  • Edo APC primary election will be credible – Ganduje assures

    Edo APC primary election will be credible – Ganduje assures

    Sen. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has assured the party will conduct a free, fair and credible primary election ahead of the Edo governorship election.

    Ganduje said this when he inaugurated the party’s screening and appeal committees headed by Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, a former Minister of Sports in Abuja on Thursday.

    Ganduje, represented by Alhaji Suleiman Arugungu, the APC National Organising Secretary named Smart Iheazor as the secretary of the appeal committee, stressing that the five-man screening committee should be transparent and fair to all aspirants.

    He said that screening of the party’s aspirants for all elections was a constitutional requirement.

    “In the same vein, our party’s constitution also gives weight to equity and restoration of rights, that is why it provides for a Screening Appeal Committee.

    “Which avails aggrieved aspirants who might have been screened out at the level of the screening committee to seek appellate intervention from the Screening Appeal Committee,” he said.

    Ganduje congratulated members of the committees, saying that they were appointed based on their principles, worthy values and political pedigrees that could be showcased with confidence anywhere and at any time.

    He said as a body of progressive minded people, the party leadership was proud of members of the committees as a cohort of responsible and committed party members.

    He thanked members of the committee for accepting to serve in the screening and screening appeal assignments.

    “We are indeed thankful to you all,  as you proceed to engage with the task for which you have been nominated.

    “Please, be rest assured that we have made sure that the exercise will be hitch free and seamless with the presence of a Secretariat Support Team that will be personally led by my good self,” he said.

    Members of the screening committee included Sen. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Adeoye Adelakum, Mr Darlington Dick, Mr Lawal Abdullahi, Ms Margaret Duru, and Mr Sani Danjuma who would serve as the secretary.

    The members of the Screening Appeal Committee are Bisi Odewumi, Ngozi Ononiwu and Abu Sidiq.

    As at the close of submission of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms on Wednesday, 12 aspirants purchased and returned their duly completed forms sold at N500,000,000.

    The aspirants included: Clem Agba, Monday Okpebholo,Lucky Imasuen, Anamero Dekeri,Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Gideon Ikhine, retired Col. David Imuse and retired Gen. Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere.

    Others are Oserheimen Osunbor, Blessing Agbomhere, Dennis Idahosa and Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe.

    The schedule of activities and timetables for the 2024 Edo governorship election released by the party, showed that the screening of aspirants was billed to commence immediately and will run until Feb. 9.

    The delegates’ congress had been fixed for Saturday Feb. 10, and the party’s governorship primaries will be held on Saturday, Feb.17.

    The APC has also fixed April 24. for the commencement of the governorship campaign.

    Chairman of the screening committee in his response, thanked the party’s leadership for the opportunity to serve, saying the committee would be guiding by the Constitution and its guidelines.

    He assured aspirants that the committee would ensure transparency and accountability and would give them an opportunity to clear themselves.

    “We will do our best,and you will not be disappointed when we submit our reports”, he said.

    Also speaking, Nze Dure, APC Deputy National Organising Secretary charged members of the committee on the need to be transparent, saying its members should be free to seek clarification where necessary.

  • APC woos Kano Gov, Yusuf, others; ask them to dump Kwankwaso

    APC woos Kano Gov, Yusuf, others; ask them to dump Kwankwaso

    Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), has invited Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State to join the APC.

    Ganduje offered the invitation on Thursday while addressing stakeholders of the party in Kano.

    “I am appealing to governor Yusuf along with his members from the NNPP to defect to the ruling APC at the national level to ensure massive political growth of the state.

    “We are also working very hard to ensure more members of the National Assembly from Kano State and others from other political parties to join hands with the progressives as doors of the party remains open for all.

    “We will provide an enabling environment for all defectors for the overall political growth of our party and state.

    “I want to assure the good people of Kano state that the federal government will continue to initiate policies and programmes that will enhance the well-being of the people.

    “I also want to assure you that there is move for other governors from various political parties to joint our party.

    “Very soon some governors and members of the National Assembly from other political parties will join the APC,” he said.

    According to him, the Kano state chapter of the party had accepted the Supreme Court judgment in good faith and salute President Bola Tinubu for his love for the party.

    Reviewing the Kano governorship apex court verdict, Ganduje said the party would create a strong avenue that would unite their members and give room for more people willing to join the party.

    The APC national chairman and immediate past governor of Kano state said stakeholders of the party had also expressed appreciation to Tinubu for his support and love for Kano.

    According to Ganduje, the stakeholders meeting has resolved that as a progressive and largest political party in Africa, and in line with the initiative the door of APC in Kano remains open for hundreds of new members willing to join.

    ”The door of the APC is open to wooing new members to the party across the country and in Diaspora as a group or individual level, because of the good governance and sound promises of the party.

    “So, in order to enhance unity, progress and development of Kano state, the stakeholders’ meeting expressed commitment to continue to pursue the path of dialogue with individuals, associations or political parties ready to join the APC,” he said.

    The APC national chairman appreciated members of the party for their maturity, support and patience during the period of the legal battle and called on them to remain calm and law abiding.

  • Why we are verifying status of political parties – INEC

    Why we are verifying status of political parties – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has began its

    constitutional responsibility of conducting the verification of the status of political parties in the country.

    Hajiya Hawa Habibu, Director Election and Party Monitoring made this known when she led INEC’s Election and Party Monitoring Team on a visit to the National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.

    Habibu said the visit was part of the commission’s annual verification of political parties.

    “It is a constitutional mandate of the commission. Basically,we are supposed to find out and issue notices where political parties are not in compliance with the constitutional provisions.

    “As to the number, structures of the party in terms of office in Abuja, auditing of their finances and other issues.

    “The team will go round to verify the offices with our forms to give us the structure of the party as to whether the Electoral Act provision of minimum of 24 members of different States of the federation and the FCT has been compiled with,” she said.

    She added that the team would also verify the party’s audited account.

    “The last time we had this verification was in 2019 and there was COVID-19 in 2020, we had so much activities in 2021 and 2022.

    “And it has become pertinent that we have to do so now to verify political parties to ensure that the compliance status is in order. These are basically our assignments,” she said

    Responding, Ganduje commended INEC for effectively handling the country’s electoral process in spite of challenges.

    Ganduje, while speaking on violence before, during and after elections, said the electoral umpire could not be blamed for election violence, adding that politicians must be held responsible.

    “I know one of the biggest problems of INEC in conducting elections is insecurity. Everyone will say INEC, but it is the politicians,” the APC national chairman said.

    He described the visit as historic and a day of reckoning and accomplishment in terms of the relationship between INEC and political parties, particularly the APC.

    “There is no doubt, it is important for INEC to undertake such visits so that they can obtain the viability of political parties in the country,” he said.

    He added that this was critical for planning and record keeping which were  part of the commission’s duties as provided by law.

    He assured that the APC was a strong party, adding that it was ready to provide all the information the commission may require.

    “We want to make our party a very strong institution as required for the development of democracy.

    “Therefore, we have decided to make our party active throughout the year not only during elections.,” he said.

    Ganduje added that all the party’s offices from Wards, Local Government, zones and states had been directed to remain functional.

    He said arrangements were being made to make the party ICT compliant.

    “We have directed for e-registration of our members and we believe that will help us to partner with INEC. This will help us in planning and identifying member’s sex and age bracket.

    “It will also help us to know the qualification and professions of our members as well as identify their rights from ward level to the national level.

    “We are developing what we call the National Institute for Progressive Studies in order to teach our members the basics of democracy so that the issue of hate speech will be eliminated,” he said.

    Section 225 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), states that every political party shall, at such times and in such manner as the INEC and publish a statement of its assets and liabilities.It also states that every political party shall submit to INEC a detailed annual statement and analysis of its sources of funds and other assets together with a similar statement of its expenditure in such form as the Commission may require.

    It also states that the commission shall have power to give directions to political parties regarding the books or records of financial transactions which they shall keep and, to examine all such books and records.

  • Tinubu congratulates APC National Chairman @74

    Tinubu congratulates APC National Chairman @74

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, on his 74th birthday.

    In a statement by the presidential spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the president extolled the leadership quality of Ganduje, who was the former Governor of Kano State.

    He said that the President described Ganduje as a thorough-bred democrat who has devoted his life to the service of the people and Nigeria.

    “I celebrate the National Chairman of our great party as he turns 74 today. Dr Abdullahi Ganduje is a consummate politician and accomplished public servant who rose from the bottom of both callings to the pinnacle.

    “In my association with him, Dr Ganduje has proved to be a loyal friend and dependable ally. He gives his all to everything he believes in, with a keen focus on effective execution.

    ‘’His management of our party since becoming the National Chairman is a proven testimony of his capacity as a masterful politician,” the President said.

    Ngelale said that Tinubu wished Ganduje strength and good health, while imploring him not to relent in his service to Nigeria.

  • Kano: APC chairman, Ganduje boasts, says we’ll win again at Supreme Court

    Kano: APC chairman, Ganduje boasts, says we’ll win again at Supreme Court

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has boasted that his party will win again at the Supreme Court while reacting to the victory recorded at the Appeal Court last Friday.

    Hehailed the Appeal Court judgement that sacked the state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf and declared the governorship candidate of the APC in the March 18 election, Dr Nasir Yusuf Gawuna as winner of the poll.

    Ganduje said the APC would win again if the NNPP and Governor Yusuf headed to Supreme Court.

    Reacting to the judgement during a press conference on Friday in Abuja, Ganduje said Gawuna’s administration would provide better opportunities for the masses and record more achievements than his eight years as governor of the state.

    Ganduje expressed optimism that even if Abba Kabir Yusuf files an appeal at the Supreme Court, the APC would defeat him to clinch the Kano apex seat.

    “We have to thank the judiciary. There is no doubt this is a victory for democracy. It is a victory for APC and a victory for Kano State. This is an indication that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria. Democracy we can say is matured in Nigeria. We have to thank all those stakeholders, the political parties, even the NNPP that took us to the Appeal Court.

    “For Kano State, this victory is for all of us. We are fully aware, we know what happens during the election; a lot of malpractices and we took the issue to the tribunal and by the grace of God, we got a fair judgement in favour of our great party, APC.

    “Now, the government in power, the NNPP decided to go the Court of Appeal and this morning (yesterday), by the power of God, the Court of Appeal affirmed the judgement of the lower court. And by so doing, our gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna is the duly elected governor of Kano State.

    “But in all, probably, they will go to the Supreme Court which is part of democracy. There is nothing wrong for them to go to the Supreme Court. We too, we are ready to meet them in Supreme Court. And Insha Allah, we will win at the Supreme Court as well.

    “But we want to assure the people of Kano State that the good administration that was provided in my eight years with my deputy, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna and now, the governor-elect for Kano State will provide a similar, not even similar, I believed he will provide a better administration, more achievements will be recorded in Kano State because that is what we expect.”

    Also speaking, Gawuna expressed happiness over the judgement and assured the people of the state of good governance under his watch.

  • Guber polls: Ganduje congratulates Uzodimma, Ododo

    Guber polls: Ganduje congratulates Uzodimma, Ododo

    The national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Ganduje has congratulated Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State on his re-election in Saturday’s governorship poll.

    Ganduje said this in a statement signed by Mr Edwin Olofu, his Chief Press Secretary in Abuja.

    He also expressed happiness with the overwhelming support exhibited by Kogi electorate in electing Ahmed Ododo in the state’s governorship poll.

    He said the electoral feats of both Uzodimma and Ododo reinforced the fact that Nigerians were well at home with the APC.

    “What gladdens me about the victory of the APC in both Kogi and Imo states is that Nigerians are appreciative of good governance and they want continuity in peace and sustainable growth in their states.

    “As a progressive party, we will always live up to our promises to deliver good governance.

    “The people of Imo and Kogi States can rest assured that Uzodimma would sustain his developmental strides in the state while Ododo would consolidate the enviable legacies of Gov. Bello,” he said.

    While congratulating both Uzodinma and Ododo over their landmark victory, Ganduje urged members of the opposition political parties to accept their defeat in good faith.

    “You are true democrats. The truth is that we are all winners at the end of the day, without a viable opposition, there won’t be contestations and democracy.

    “I urge you to join hands with Uzodimma and the incoming governor of Kogi, Ahmed Ododo in the task of moving your respective states forward.

    “You all fought a good battle, as the saying goes, there will always be another chance to test your level of acceptability among the electorate,” the APC national chairman said.

     

     

  • Supreme Court verdict: Wait for your turn in 2031, Ganduje tells Obi, Atiku

    Supreme Court verdict: Wait for your turn in 2031, Ganduje tells Obi, Atiku

    Abdullahi Ganduje, chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has said Nigeria’s two major opposition, Peter Obi and Abubakar Atiku should wait for their turn in 2031.

    He also declared that the Supreme Court judgement upholding the election of Presided Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a proof that the February 25 presidential election was not manipulated as claimed by the opposition.

    In a statement on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje also asked the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, to wait till 2031 when Tinubu would have rounded off his second term.

    Ganduje, who congratulated Tinubu, said the judgement has laid to rest all claims by the opposition parties.

    Ganduje said the Supreme Court verdict would pave the way for President Tinubu to concentrate on implementing the “Renewed Hope” mandate of the APC for the benefit of Nigerians.

    The APC helmsman called on Atiku and Obi to bury their hatchets and join hands with President Tinubu to reposition the country towards sustainable growth and development.
    He said, “Nigeria belongs to all of us, it is our responsibility as patriots to pool our resources together to move the country forward. I congratulate both Atiku and Obi on their dogged fight in extending the frontiers of our democracy and law.

    “This is democracy. Tinubu’s victory is another victory for democratic rule in the country. There is still room for both Obi and Atiku to actualize their presidential aspiration after the second term tenure of President Tinubu in 2031.”

    Ganduje also called on Nigerians, irrespective of political leaning, to rally round the President to ensure that he delivers more dividend of democracy and move the country on the path of sustainable progress.

  • Ganduje lauds Supreme Court judgement affirming Tinubu’s election

    Ganduje lauds Supreme Court judgement affirming Tinubu’s election

    Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All progressives Congress (APC) has applauded the Supreme Court judgment affirming the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the Feb. 23 presidential election.

    Ganduje said this in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Edwin Olofu on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said the judgment had laid to rest all claims by the opposition parties that the outcome of the presidential poll was manipulated in favour of Tinubu.

    He said that the Supreme Court verdict would pave the way for Tinubu to concentrate on implementing the Renewed Hope mandate of the APC for the benefit of Nigerians.

    He called on the presidential candidates of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and that of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi to bury their hatchets.

    The APC national chairman specifically asked Atiku and Obi to join hands with Tinubu to reposition the country for sustainable growth and development.

    “Nigeria belongs to all of us, it is our responsibility as patriots to pool our resources together to move the country forward,” he said.

    He congratulated both Atiku and Obi for their dogged fight in extending the frontiers of our democracy and law.

    “This is democracy; Tinubu’s victory is another victory for democratic rule in the country.

    “There is still room for both Obi and Atiku to actualise their presidential aspiration after the second tenure of Tinubu in 2031,” Ganduje said.

    He called on Nigerians, irrespective of political leanings to rally round the president to ensure that he delivered more dividends of democracy and move the country on the path of sustainable progress.