Ganduje Breaks Silence as APC Announces New National Chairman
- Ganduje hails Yilwatda's appointment, calling it timely and strategic, and expresses full confidence in his ability to lead the APC
- Urges party unity and discipline, appealing to all APC stakeholders to support Yilwatda’s leadership and uphold party cohesion
- Commends Tinubu, Shettima, and APC NEC for a smooth, consensus-driven transition and pledges his continued support and guidance to the new chairman
The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has broken his silence following the party's announcement of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe as his successor.
In a statement released on Thursday night, July 24, Ganduje described the appointment as "strategic" and coming at a "critical moment" for the ruling party.
Source: Twitter
Yilwatda’s emergence is timely and strategic, says Ganduje
Dr Ganduje hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he called a “visionary appointment” of the former university don and gubernatorial candidate, saying Yilwatda's emergence signals a new chapter in the APC’s evolution, The Cable reported.
“The emergence of Prof. Yilwatda is both strategic and timely. It comes at a critical period in the life of our party.
“I have absolute confidence in his capacity, intellect, maturity, and administrative competence to move the APC forward," Ganduje said.
A call for unity, discipline, and loyalty
The former Kano state governor urged members of the APC to rally around the new chairman and prioritise unity and discipline as the party navigates internal reforms and prepares for future electoral contests.
“I call on the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), state chapters, youth and women wings, and all stakeholders to offer full cooperation and unwavering support to our new chairman,” he said.
Ganduje commends NEC and applauds Tinubu, Shettima
Source: Getty Images
Ganduje commended the APC’s NEC and other organs of the party for facilitating a consensus-driven and transparent process that led to Yilwatda’s selection.
He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their roles in ensuring a smooth transition, Vanguard reported.
“Our President and Vice President have once again shown maturity and far-sightedness in the affairs of our great party. Their commitment to cohesion and stability within the APC is commendable," he said.
Promises of continued support and guidance
Though stepping aside, Ganduje assured Yilwatda of his “unflinching support, counsel, and brotherly solidarity.”
He encouraged APC leaders, governors, and lawmakers to give the new chairman the backing needed to consolidate the party’s vision.
“As I bow out with a sense of fulfillment, I urge all our faithful party members across the federation to queue behind him and give him the necessary support to build a united, progressive, and inclusive platform for all Nigerians,” he stated.
Concluding his remarks, Dr Ganduje prayed for divine guidance for Prof. Yilwatda as he assumes the mantle of leadership.
Recall that the former Kano governor recently resigned his position as the APC national chairman, citing health reasons.
APC chieftain hails Ganduje
Reacting to Ganduje's exit from the national chairmanship seat, an APC chieftain, Obidike Chukwuebuka, said:
”The APC family is filled with mixed emotions as Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje steps down as national chairman. His leadership has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by strategic vision and unwavering dedication to our party's core values. Under his guidance, we've seen significant milestones that have further strengthened our foundation and broadened our outreach. He secured our party's victory in Ondo and Edo guber elections, two governors and several national assembly members joined our party under his leadership.
"Dr. Ganduje's tenure was characterized by a strong commitment to inclusivity, grassroots mobilization, and policy-driven campaigns that resonated with Nigerians from all walks of life. His ability to unite the party across diverse interests and regions has been one of his greatest strengths. His leadership style, rooted in integrity and resilience, set a high standard for party leadership.
"As he steps down, we express our deepest gratitude for his service. His contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy within the APC, and we wish him well in his future endeavors. To the party, we remain steadfast in our resolve to continue the good work Dr. Ganduje championed. Together, we will build on the foundations he laid and work tirelessly toward a stronger, more united Nigeria.
"We celebrate Dr. Ganduje’s leadership and look forward to the next chapter in his journey with hope and optimism.”
APC: Yilwatda releases agenda to cripple PDP
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Prof. Yilwatda Nentawe, the new national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has vowed to ensure unity in all the party organs and recognise all participants nationwide.
Nentawe, while giving his acceptance speech on Thursday, July 24, at the 14th APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the presidential villa in Abuja, vowed that his administration would expand the ruling party.
Legit.ng's head of politics and current affairs desk, Nurudeen Lawal, contributed the APC member Obidike Chukwuebuka's reaction to this report.
Source: Legit.ng
