Ganduje emerges APC national chairman

Ex Kano state Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

A former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has been elected as the All Progressives Congress, APC, national chairman.

Mr Ganduje was elected during the 12th National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of the party on Thursday in Abuja.

Similarly, a former Senate spokesman from Osun State, Ajibola Basiru, was also elected to serve as national secretary.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Ganduje thanked President Bola Tinubu for reposing his confidence in him, assuring the party officials of internal democracy and rule of law.

He said: “With boundless gratitude for the confidence placed in me by leaders and members of our party, and with an unswerving resolve to honour that trust, I humbly accept my appointment as the chairman of our party, the APC.

“I am deeply touched and inspired by the generous words of congratulations and encouragement I have been receiving and wish to extend my deepest respect and appreciation to all the leaders and members for their strong support.

“Our main focus will be promoting party unity and defending and increasing the 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. More reforms will be carried out in the party in alignment with the current political landscape.

“We all agreed that we must unite our members to achieve support for our government to respond adequately, urgently and assertively to the challenges that Nigerians confront daily.

“The challenges include unemployment, poverty, insecurity, social cohesion and the rising cost of living.

“I want to make a special appeal to Nigerians to bear with the President at this trying moment, considering that the country’s economy has been in shambles for years. I believe the policies and programmes to be unveiled by Mr President when his administration fully takes shape will surely turn things around for the better.

“Our party must remain rooted among the people, demonstrate a willingness to serve and make sacrifices, and be willing to acknowledge and address our weaknesses.

“It’s a huge privilege, an honour, and a great responsibility to take on this job, and I will do it with everything I have to the best of my ability for my party and my country.

“We will ensure a level playing field for all party members that want to contest elections under the party’s platform. Our primary elections would be free, transparent and fair.

“Let me also use this opportunity to call on members of our party and all the people of Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states to close ranks and ensure that the APC wins in the forthcoming governorship elections.”