Paragraph 1: Endorsement and Rationale
The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has unequivocally endorsed Abdullahi Ganduje’s leadership as the party’s National Chairman. This affirmation, declared through a statement issued by forum leader Saleh Zazzaga, follows a comprehensive assessment of Ganduje’s performance and the interests of the North-Central zone. The forum emphasized its satisfaction with Ganduje’s leadership, citing his success in securing electoral victories for the APC and accommodating the zone’s political aspirations. This resounding vote of confidence comes approximately five months after the forum suspended its initial demand for Ganduje’s removal and replacement with a North-Central candidate, signaling a significant shift in their stance.
Paragraph 2: Justification for Continued Leadership
The North-Central APC Forum’s endorsement of Ganduje is grounded in several key observations. First, they acknowledged the positive outcomes achieved under Ganduje’s leadership, including recent governorship victories in Ondo and Edo states and a steady influx of members from other political parties. This success, they argued, demonstrates Ganduje’s effectiveness as a leader and his ability to strengthen the party. The forum likened him to a winning coach, emphasizing the wisdom of retaining a leader with a proven track record of success. Second, they emphasized the significant progress made in addressing the North-Central zone’s demands and agitations, estimating that roughly 80% of their concerns have been addressed. While acknowledging the impossibility of achieving 100% fulfillment in political negotiations, the forum expressed gratitude for the progress achieved, rejecting the perception of being ungrateful.
Paragraph 3: Navigating Political Trade-offs
The North-Central APC Forum’s decision reflects an understanding of the complexities of political balancing acts. While the zone initially coveted the national chairmanship, they recognized the difficulty of simultaneously holding both the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) position and the APC national chairmanship. With Senator George Akume from Benue State already occupying the SGF position, the forum prioritized overall party unity and progress over solely pursuing the national chairmanship. This decision underscores a pragmatic approach to political negotiations, recognizing the importance of strategic compromises for the greater good of the party.
Paragraph 4: Recognizing Ganduje’s Contributions & Ministerial Appointments
The forum further attributed key ministerial appointments for the North-Central zone to the influence of Ganduje’s leadership within the APC. These appointments, coupled with the SGF position held by Senator Akume, were seen as significant achievements for the zone. Moreover, the forum expressed appreciation for Ganduje’s role in the creation of the North-Central Development Commission, a long-standing aspiration for the region. The commission, recently signed into law by President Tinubu, addresses a historical omission of the North-Central from regional development initiatives. These achievements, they emphasized, reinforce Ganduje’s effectiveness in advocating for the zone’s interests.
Paragraph 5: Infrastructural Development and Collaborative Leadership
The forum acknowledged the significant progress made in addressing the North-Central’s infrastructural needs, citing attention given to critical federal road projects in the region. These infrastructure developments were attributed, in part, to the advocacy of North-Central stakeholders and the collaborative efforts between the party leadership and the Tinubu administration. Furthermore, the forum commended Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, Chairman of the North-Central Governors Forum, for his inclusive leadership in strengthening the APC within the zone. This emphasis on collaborative leadership highlighted the importance of intra-party cooperation in achieving shared objectives.
Paragraph 6: Future Support and Electoral Projections
As a testament to their faith in Ganduje’s leadership and gratitude towards President Tinubu, the North-Central APC Forum pledged to deliver four million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. This ambitious target reflects their optimism regarding the party’s prospects under Ganduje’s continued leadership and their commitment to reciprocating the support received from the Tinubu administration. While expressing their overall satisfaction with Ganduje’s performance, the forum also urged him to actively engage with elders of the region, ensuring a broader base of support and inclusion in decision-making processes. This call for inclusive leadership underscored the importance of engaging all stakeholders in the party’s activities.
