Tag: Ganduje

  • BREAKING: Ganduje bags top appointment with Tinubu govt days after resigning as APC chairman

    BREAKING: Ganduje bags top appointment with Tinubu govt days after resigning as APC chairman

    Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    The announcement was made in Abuja during the official inauguration ceremony for the newly appointed board members of FAAN. The event was attended by top government officials and stakeholders in the aviation.

    This appointment comes just a few days after he officially resigned as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ganduje’s resignation came amid strong speculations that President Tinubu is working behind the scenes to bring Ganduje’s longtime rival, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, into the APC fold ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Meanwhile,  Buba Galadima, a New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chieftain, has dismissed claims that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, will defect to the ruling party.

     Galadima, while speaking during an appearance on Arise News, said that the former Kano Governor remains deeply rooted in the opposition and is only being courted because of his unmatched credibility.

    He denied reports claiming that the former national chairman of the ruling party, Abdullahi Ganduje, was removed from his position because there were plans to bring in Kwankwaso.

    Galadima explained that the APC and other parties have been trying to woo Kwankwaso, but the politician has remained steadfast in his commitment to the NNPP.

  • Peter Obi hails Ganduje for resigning as APC’s chairman

    Peter Obi hails Ganduje for resigning as APC’s chairman

    Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has hailed the resignation of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as an honourable step and a model for leadership responsibility.

    Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, tendered his resignation on Friday, officially citing health challenges. However, insider sources suggest that political realignments and speculations about the 2027 elections, including the search for a potential running mate for President Bola Tinubu, may have influenced the decision.

    Reacting to the development in a statement shared via his official X handle on Saturday, Obi praised Ganduje for stepping down in recognition of his health condition.

    Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, went further to frame Ganduje’s decision as a challenge to other public office holders who may be struggling with health-related limitations.

    “Ganduje’s Timely Challenge to Leaders I have just read a news report that the National Chairman of the ruling party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has resigned from his position with immediate effect, citing health challenges as the reason.

    I must commend Dr. Ganduje for prioritising his health above all else. With his health reportedly in decline, it is both wise and honourable to step aside, knowing that he may no longer be able to render the level of service required by the party, the people, and the nation.

    By this exemplary action, Dr. Ganduje has thrown a challenge to other leaders who, due to health-related issues, are no longer able to deliver optimally. I sincerely hope they take a cue from him.

    The challenges confronting our nation today require leaders who are not only competent but also physically and mentally fit, leaders with the capacity and agility to respond decisively and promptly to pressing issues.

    At this critical point and difficult time, we can no longer afford leadership defined by medical tourism, long holidays, or absenteeism caused by age-related ailments. These things are taking a serious toll on our development. May God Almighty grant Dr. Ganduje a peaceful and fulfilling retirement. Indeed, a new Nigeria is POssible.”

  • Ganduje warns APC members against internal sabotage

    Ganduje warns APC members against internal sabotage

    Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday urged party members to resist internal sabotage and remain focused on national progress.

    He made the call at the APC National Summit, held at the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall, with the theme ‘The Journey So Far.’

    The summit aimed to reflect on the party’s progress and explore solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

    “I urge all members to reject internal sabotage. Engage communities, listen to citizens, and build a political structure that lasts beyond elections,” Ganduje said.

    He called for renewed dedication to the principles that united the party and inspired its formation.

    “Let us rally behind President Bola Tinubu, support our policies, and deliver the Renewed Hope Nigerians rightfully deserve,” he added.

    Ganduje described the APC as a movement of courage and conviction, representing over 200 million Nigerians.

    He emphasised that under his leadership, the APC had been reformed, energised, and steadily expanding.

    “The Renewed Hope Agenda is already fulfilling its promises,” he stated.

    According to Ganduje, Nigeria’s future depends on a strong, stable, and progressive APC.

    He urged members to move forward together — not merely as politicians, but as patriots and national stewards.

    “Remain focused and ready for the journey ahead. Our vision needs political strength and unity,” he said.

    He encouraged steadfastness, unity of purpose, and firm belief in the party’s shared vision.

    Ganduje expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for achievements recorded under the Renewed Hope Agenda in the last two years.

    He confirmed the APC’s endorsement of President Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate.

    Ganduje reiterated that the APC was a people-driven movement grounded in bold ideals and national aspirations.

    He said, “Our party’s strength lies in unity. Nigeria needs every one of you.

    “Let us remain committed to our purpose, unwavering in our resolve, and clear in our vision.”

    Ganduje said the summit was not only for dialogue, but also for introspection on the party’s journey and national responsibilities.

    He described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a necessary and transformative plan proposed by the President.

    “This is no mere slogan — it’s a comprehensive strategy to restore governance, economic vitality, and national pride.

    “When President Tinubu spoke of Renewed Hope, he offered a serious contract with Nigerians.

    “It’s a vision for inclusive growth, institutional reform, and economic rejuvenation.

    “Nearly two years on, this vision is becoming a lived reality,” Ganduje said.

    He urged APC members to become committed defenders and active promoters of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    As progressives, Ganduje said, they must embrace courage, sacrifice, and sustained commitment to long-term change.

    He noted signs of economic recovery, improved oil revenues, and growing interest from international investors.

  • PDP is already dead, we‘ll soon receive you – Ganduje hits back at Lamido

    PDP is already dead, we‘ll soon receive you – Ganduje hits back at Lamido

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has rubbished reports suggesting that he has plans to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and reaffirmed his continuous loyalty to the ruling APC.

    Dr. Ganduje who was responding to a recent comment credited to former governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Sule Lamido, who claimed that the APC would soon implode and that those who had left the PDP, including Ganduje, would seek to return, said instead of him going back to the PDP, that it is Lamido that will soon seek to be accommodated into the APC.

    The APC boss, in a statement issued in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, described the claim as baseless and illogical, emphasizing that there is no reason for him to leave the ruling party for what he described as a “failing opposition.”

    The former governor of Kano state also predicted that the PDP will go into extinction by the end of 2025, based on the internal squabbles that has crept into the once ruling party.

    “It is evident to any discerning observer that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC continues to gain momentum, with prominent political figures across the country defecting to the party in large numbers.

    “With such overwhelming national support, the APC remains focused on consolidating its achievements and preparing for a resounding victory in the 2027 general elections.

    “In fact we will soon receive Sule Lamido because very soon he won’t have where to go because the PDP is already dead.”

    Ganduje reaffirmed his pride in leading the APC, the largest political party in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, and reiterated his dedication to deepening internal party democracy and promoting sustainable governance and development.

    He advised Lamido to focus on resolving the PDP’s internal crises instead of engaging in unfounded speculations that would never materialize.

  • APC defection hurricane hits again as Kebbi’s PDP Senators set to decamp

    APC defection hurricane hits again as Kebbi’s PDP Senators set to decamp

    Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Friday said the Senators from Kebbi State, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were set to decamp to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ganduje said this while addressing State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Friday.

    The APC chairman led Dr Nasir Idris, the Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi and Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi and Garba Maidoki to the meeting with Tinubu.

    He said a lot of discussions went underground between the major stakeholders in Kebbi and that they came to the conclusion that the three PDP senators from the state would decamp to the APC.

    “This is a good development and it is in consonance with what is happening in Nigeria today.

    “Almost every week in the Senate and House of Representatives, you see members of other political parties decamping to our party.

    “So, we came here so that Mr President will bless this resolution and he has graciously given his blessing, and by Tuesday you will see what will happen in the Red Chambers.

    “Our constitution is very clear about this, and with our political dexterity in managing such affairs, I assure you that there will be a smooth integration,” said the APC chairman.

    He added that the fear of one-party state was misplaced::”We are not saying we are working for a one-party system, but if this is the wish of Nigerians we cannot quarrel with that.

    “You know they say too many cooks spoil the soup; too many political parties spoil governance.”

    Ganduje said that the move was in continuation with the initiative of  Tinubu, saying, “APC must do what we must do democratically in order to increase our numerical strength, and also our quality and capacity of followership.”

  • Convert forests to military bases – Ganduje tells FG

    Convert forests to military bases – Ganduje tells FG

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership on Wednesday said converting forests to military bases will prevent further insurgents’ occupation and improve national security in the country.

    Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of APC, made the suggestion in Damaturu during a condolence visit to Yobe over the recent terrorists attack on a military formation in Buni-Gari.

    Ganduje, who led a delegation of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), said the problem at hand was a national issue that demands urgent attention and collective response.

    He said that the unfortunate attack was a deliberate distraction to divert the attention of the state from developmental goals to emergency responses.

    The national chairman called for a change in the Nigeria’s national security strategy, saying the use of technology and surveillance in the forest which had become hideouts for criminal elements was paramount.

    “Forests that are meant to protect the ecosystem have now become criminal colonies.

    “We must liberate these forests. Surveillance cameras and military establishments should be installed to prevent further occupation by insurgents,” he said.

    Ganduje, who had similar issue during his tenure as governor of Kano State where he established a military training ground in Falgore forest to neutralise criminal activities, also encouraged Yobe to explore the possibility of adopting same strategy.

    The national chairman, however, commended Gov. Mai Mala Buni’s achievements on security despite the challenges posed by insurgency.

    He expressed deep sympathy over the attack which left a military base destroyed, adding “we are here to sympathise and condole with the government and people of Yobe State over the unfortunate incident in Buni-Gari.”

    In his remarks, Buni thanked the APC chairman and his delegation for the visit, saying it was a demonstration of true leadership and empathy.

    “This visit is not just political, it is a clear sign of care. The attack in Buni-Gari is indeed a national concern.

    “Insurgents are targeting military formations to steal arms, and these weapons could be used anywhere in the country,” Buni said.

    He, however,  affirmed Ganduje’s call for a shift in strategy, emphasising that insurgency is evolving and penetrating different regions under various guises.

    “This is a wake-up call for all of us. We must act fast, collectively, and with a sense of national duty,” he said.

    Buni said the insecurity related issues would top the agenda at the upcoming Northern Governors’ Forum meeting in Kaduna, slated for May 10.

    He assured the APC leadership that the governors would work with President Bola Tinubu to restore peace and stability in the region.

    The governor also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting security agencies and collaborating with local communities toward tackling the threat of terrorism.

  • APC NEC: I inherited N8.98bn legal liabilities – Ganduje

    APC NEC: I inherited N8.98bn legal liabilities – Ganduje

    Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Wednesday said he inherited N8.98 billion debt in legal liabilities.

    He said this in Abuja at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party held at its national secretariat.

    President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, some APC governors and other critical stakeholders of the party attended the meeting.

    Ganduje said the outstanding liabilities were for legal engagements during pre-election matters, election cases as well as appeals for legislative, governorship and presidential elections.

    The chairman also requested for a new national secretariat to accommodate its national officers.

    He said the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), under his leadership, had applied to the Federal Capital Territory Administration for land.

    Ganduje solicited the president’s intervention to ensure that the secretariat project materialised.

    He said in fulfilment of his promise to take the party to the grassroots, the NWC had introduced a new people-centred approach to campaign administration.

    Ganduje said instead of inaugurating national campaign governorship councils for states in Abuja, they are now inaugurated in affected states.

    This, he said, was to allow for greater participation by party members and other stakeholders in the respective states.

    According to Ganduje, the innovation has helped to engage the right people to organise and manage campaigns in their states.

    He also said the party’s focus was now on regaining power in Anambra and Osun.

    The chairman added that in compliance with INEC’s election time-table, the party had begun preparations for the conduct of its primary in Anambra scheduled for April.

    He also said the party had embarked on reconciliation of aggrieved members, adding that the move was gradually yielding the desired results.

    “Through dialogue, we initiated high level discussions among party leaders and other stakeholders with a view to resolving lingering differences among our members.

    “The Conflict Reconciliation Committee, which you are about to approve, will build on this,” he said.

    NAN reports that members of NEC passed a vote of confidence on the president.

    This, they said, was in recognition of his bold economic reforms that were beginning to bear positive fruits.

    Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo moved the motion and it was seconded by Mr Adams Oshiomhole, a former national chairman of the party.

    NAN further reports that the NEC members passed a vote of confidence on Ganduje and the party’s NWC.

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, were among chieftains of the party who attended the meeting.

    Governors in attendance included those of Edo, Monday Okpebholo, Ondo; Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Benue, Hyacinth Alia and Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji.

    Others were those of Kaduna, Uba Sani; Nasarawa, Abdullahi Sule; Yobe, Mai Mala Buni; Kogi, Usman Ododo, and Ogun, Dapo Abiodun.

    Former governors who attended included those of Zamfara, Abdulaziz Yari; Kogi, Yahaya Bello and Zamfara, Bello Mattawalle.

    The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, was also at the meeting.

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo were, however, absent at the meeting.

    Ganduje was appointed as chairman on Aug. 3, 2023, by the party’s NEC following the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu.

     

  • Defection: APC chair Ganduje receives Ned Nwoko, vows to take over Delta

    Defection: APC chair Ganduje receives Ned Nwoko, vows to take over Delta

    The National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, on Wednesday, received Sen. Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, into the APC fold.

    Nwoko formerly of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently decamped to the APC citing deep divisions and factionalisation within the party at the state and national level as reasons for decamping.

    He had said that the development had made it increasingly difficult to foster unity and advance the collective interests of the people of Delta.

    However receiving the lawmaker at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, Ganduje said that the party would work with Nwoko and other stakeholders to take over Delta in 2027.

    According to him, we are happy to receive you, and you are most welcome to our great and nationalistic party. We want a highly organised APC in Delta and we promise to work with you.

    “We believe in national unity, integrity and providing for Nigerians, and we have internal democracy.”

    The APC national chairman, added that the country under President Bola Tinubu was working because his economy policies were beginning to yield positive results.

    He assured the lawmaker of the cooperation of the APC’s leadership, saying a mega rally would be held in Delta to receive him and others formally at a later date.

    “We know funding, organisation and commitment is not a problem, what we are looking forward to, is a highly organised party structure in Delta.

    “A structure which compose of men and women, specially young men, who will go from house to house to show that APC dominates almost everywhere,” Ganduje said.

    Earlier, Nwoko said that his mission was to join forces with other APC Delta stakeholders to ensure that the party took over the state in 2027.

    The senator explained that he left the PDP for APC because he was not given the opportunity to serve the people of his constituent.

    “I was elected to make a difference in Delta, but wasn’t given that opportunity. I believe in serving the people, but I was not getting that opportunity in PDP Delta.

    “I know what our party do to win elections in Delta, and I will join hands with others to do it to ensure that APC takes over the state in the next election.

    “I am on a mission to ensure that APC takes over Delta in the next election, we have all that it will take to take over the state. We know what to do because we understand the politics of the state, all I ask, is your support,” he said.

    On the crisis in Delta APC, he noted that he was a peace maker and would ensure peace return to the party in the state.

    NAN reports that Nwoko was led to the APC national secretariat by Mr Festus Kayemo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and other party stakeholders.

  • 2027: We’re determined to take over Rivers -Ganduje boasts

    2027: We’re determined to take over Rivers -Ganduje boasts

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, says the party’s target is to wrestle Rivers state from the grip of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) come 2027.

    Ganduje made this known in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the state working committee on Saturday. He was accompanied by top officials of the party who expressed their support for the new Exco in the state.

    In his address, the party’s national South-South vice chairman, Victor Giadom, said the party is gearing up to take over the state.

    This inauguration was held despite question marks around the legality of the process.

    The national legal adviser administers the oath of office to the Exco.

    In his vote of thanks, the leader of the Exco praises his team, saying they’ve done well,

    For the national chairman, however, the aim is to bring Rivers into the fold and increase APC’s states in the zone to three.

    Though the party’s NWC recognizes the Tony Okocha-led Exco, there is a court judgement recognizing Emeka Beke as the party’s chairman in the state which is yet to be vacated and it’s still unclear how that will affect the party going into 2025.

  • Stay away from South West, Osun PDP cautions Ganduje

    Stay away from South West, Osun PDP cautions Ganduje

    The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has cautioned Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to exercise caution in his attempt to impress his party’s stalwarts.

    The Osun PDP also warned Ganduje to pay serious attention to the political history of the Southwest to assist him in making informed lines while making public comments about the region.

    The warning was issued through a statement signed by Sunday Bisi, the Osun PDP chairman, on Monday.

    Ganduje reportedly boasted at a political gathering in Ondo State that his party would deploy all means to capture the entire Southwest.

    PDP, while cautioning Ganduje over such reckless utterances capable of igniting citizens, which, in turn, could destabilise the country, insisted that the Osun people will decide their governor in the 2026 election.

    “For a man who could not salvage his home state for the APC owing to his disastrous regime as governor of the state to start threatening fire and brimstone in the Southwest is not only reckless but absolutely insane,” the state PDP chairman said.

    He described Ganduje’s postulation as a careless plot to plunge the Southwest into avoidable political turmoil in a country that is already on a stressed line of ethnic distrust and economic challenges.

    While Mr President continues to battle the depressed state of the nation’s economy, Mr Ganduje should be careful not to compound the situation by attempting barefaced election rigging, especially in the Southwest, as doing so will be nothing but stepping on a very dangerous cobra’s tail.

    “If Mallam Ganduje failed as he did to cause war in Kano, where the APC was discarded for his harrowing reign in the state, he should be ready to face and accept similar verdicts in other states where the APC have failed the electorate.

    “For us in Osun, we are used to such unstatemanly utterances, which resulted in a more disastrous outing for Ganduje’s party in the 2022 governorship election after his predecessor in office openly mandated APC thugs to invade and rig the election in Osun.

    “This, Mr Ganduje must remember, irked the highly intelligent people of the state by voting aggressively against the then APC candidate, Gboyega Oyetola. The same fate, we want to assure, awaits APC in Osun State,” the statement concluded.