Senate President Godswill Akpabio (left); Vice President Kashim Shettima; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; new National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and new National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, during the 12th National Executive Committee meeting of the party in Abuja…yesterday. Credit: Lucy Ladidi Ateko
• Say move a blow to anti-corruption, dent on party’s image
• 2023 general elections ‘most credible’ in Nigeria, says Tinubu
Criticisms trailed yesterday’s endorsement of former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, as National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC). The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which okayed Ganduje, also ratified the appointment of Ajibola Basiru as National Secretary during its meeting at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement by its spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, said: “It speaks volumes of the APC under Bola Tinubu that Ganduje, who should ordinarily be under prosecution by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged bribery, is rather crowned and rewarded with the position of APC National Chairman.
“Such can only happen in a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) like the APC, which, according to the former Director General of Progressive Governors’ Forum, is replete with ‘political bandits’.”
PDP added: “A crushing defeat awaits Ganduje and his party in the November 11, 2023 governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states.”
Also, Prof. Akeem Amodu, Head of Politics Department and International Relations at Lead City University, Ibadan, said: “I see this as something that will have great consequences on the party that wants to fight corruption.”
He told The Guardian: “The emergence of Ganduje will have great consequences on the image of the party, nationally and internationally. There will be outcries from people both in the party and others as well as from outside the country.”
Head of Department, Political Science and International Relations, Kola Daisi University, Ibadan, Dr. Mrs. Adebukola Ayoola, faulted the choice of Ganduje as National Chairman, saying it portrays APC as corruption personified. “It actually reduces the image of the party before the public,” she added.
However, Prof. Gbade Ojo of the Political Science Department, University of Ilorin, and a former Chief of Staff to the late Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi, said: “The corruption allegation against him (Ganduje) has not been proven. He still remains innocent.
“In this era of Photoshop, it is not everything that must be believed. Ganduje has the right to be National Chairman; being a registered member of the APC. He meets all the requirements. Party management is complex. Let us wait and see how he will steer the ship of the party.”
Meanwhile, in his acceptance speech, Ganduje pledged to reposition the party to deliver on its manifesto to Nigerians. He assured that he would ensure a level playing field for all members that seek election on the APC platform. He also called on Nigerians to rally behind the President Bola Tinubu administration to deliver on its campaign promises.
“I want to make a special appeal to Nigerians to bear with the President at this trying moment, considering that the country’s economy had been in shambles for years,” he said, noting: “The policies and programmes to be unveiled by Mr. President, when his administration fully takes shape, will surely turn around things for the better.”
He said: “Our party must remain rooted among the people, must demonstrate willingness to serve and make sacrifices, and must be willing to acknowledge and address our weaknesses. Our main focus will be promoting party unity and defending and increasing the number of executive and legislative seats we currently hold.
“Under my watch, internal democracy will be strictly adhered to, with a deliberate policy to engage in wider consultations and make the party functional throughout the year. More reforms will be carried out in the party, in alignment with the current political landscape.”
This was as Tinubu described his election as the most credible in Nigeria. The President disclosed this in his address at the NEC meeting, yesterday.
“Yes we are facing challenges in the court but I think this is the most credible election in Nigeria. So, we must congratulate ourselves. As a democrat, those who cannot accept the results of a free and fair election do not deserve the joy of victory,” he said.
The President told party members: “I know election is just a step in the process, good governance is another. We have got the trophy; the president is standing before you, and the reward for hard work is more work. The party has a responsibility to promote unity, stability and love among ourselves. And we have to fulfill your dreams and the dreams of our founding fathers.”
The Guardian
