The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum, once a hotbed of dissent and legal challenges, has publicly declared its unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu and the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje. This dramatic shift in stance follows a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, which effectively quelled internal disputes over leadership positions, particularly the chairmanship. Previously, the Forum had contested Ganduje’s appointment, arguing that the North-Central zone should have retained the chairmanship to complete the unfinished term of the former chairman, Abdullahi Adamu. This culminated in a legal challenge seeking Ganduje’s removal. However, the NEC meeting’s ratification of the chairmanship zoning to the North-West, Ganduje’s home zone, solidified his position and prompted the Forum to withdraw its opposition.
The Forum’s decision to align with the party’s national leadership marks a significant step towards internal unity within the APC. Their statement, released by Chairman Saleh Zazzaga, emphasizes their acceptance of the NEC’s decisions, including the vote of confidence in both President Tinubu and Ganduje. This signifies a willingness to prioritize party cohesion over regional interests. The Forum explicitly urged all party members to support the President and the National Chairman, signaling an end to their previous dissent. Furthermore, they recognized Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, as the party’s leader in the North-Central zone, indicating a consolidation of leadership and a move towards a more unified front within the region.
The NEC meeting served as a pivotal moment in resolving the internal discord within the APC. The ratification of the chairmanship zoning was a crucial step in legitimising Ganduje’s leadership, effectively ending the Forum’s legal challenge and their broader agitation. The vote of confidence further reinforced Ganduje’s authority and demonstrated the party’s commitment to his leadership. This decisive action by the NEC created an environment conducive to reconciliation and paved the way for the North-Central Forum to retract its objections and pledge its support.
The Forum’s decision to cease all agitations carries significant implications for the APC’s future. By uniting behind the national leadership, the party can now focus its energies on supporting President Tinubu’s agenda and preparing for upcoming elections. The internal harmony achieved through this resolution strengthens the party’s overall stability and enhances its ability to effectively govern and compete politically. This unified front also projects an image of strength and stability, which can be beneficial in attracting support and building public confidence.
The Forum’s endorsement of Ganduje extends beyond mere acceptance of his position; they’ve pledged to actively support his efforts in reconciling aggrieved members within the party. This proactive stance signifies a commitment to healing internal divisions and consolidating party unity. By working with Ganduje, the Forum aims to bridge the gaps created by past disputes and create a more cohesive and collaborative environment within the APC. Their support for Ganduje in this crucial task of reconciliation highlights their commitment to moving beyond past disagreements and focusing on the party’s common goals.
The North-Central APC Forum’s transformation from a dissenting voice to a staunch supporter of the national leadership exemplifies the power of internal party mechanisms in resolving conflicts and fostering unity. The NEC meeting, by addressing the core issue of the chairmanship zoning, effectively neutralized the Forum’s primary grievance. This, coupled with the vote of confidence, created the necessary conditions for the Forum to reconsider its position. Their subsequent endorsement of both Tinubu and Ganduje, along with their recognition of Akume’s leadership within the zone, signals a concerted effort to prioritize party cohesion and stability. This resolution strengthens the APC’s position as it navigates the challenges of governance and prepares for future electoral contests.
