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  • Let’s harness our diversity for growth, Ganduje tells Ijaw leaders, others

    Let’s harness our diversity for growth, Ganduje tells Ijaw leaders, others

    The national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has urged  Nigerians to harness the nation’s diversity for the country’s rapid development and growth.

    He stressed that the diversity in the nation’s ethnic, tribal and religious are the country’s source of great strength, adding that it was a special gift from God which should be properly utilized by Nigerians for positive rather than negative ends.

    Ganduje gave the advice on Tuesday when he received a delegation of chiefs from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State at the APC National Secretariat.

    Responding to the requests by the Ijaw leaders that Ganduje should help attract investment and development to the area, the APC Chairman commended them for seeking the growth of their area stating that only progressive minded persons demand for infrastructural development of their areas 

    He reminded the visitors that better national integration will always lead to national development and appealed to communities seeking rapid investment to create the conducive atmosphere that would attract investors, warning that without peace, it will be difficult for the nation to grow.

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    “National unity and integration has become very important now in our history. Our diversity is a blessing and a source of strength. We should harness this to greater advantage because it is our responsibility to come together and build a united country.”

    He stated that God did not make any mistake by allowing the different tribes, religions and colour differences to co-exist in one space pointing out that the best way out was to make best use of the diversity for national integration. 

    Earlier, the spokesperson for the delegation, Hon. Ebiteo Robert Tonyon said they came to request the assistance of the leaders to attract infrastructural development and investment to the community.

    He said the community has been following the development strides of the APC National Chairman for a long time and resolved that he would be in the best position to assist the area.

    The leader of the delegation King Orianzi Ibenanawei of Olodiama Clan, later presented the APC National Chairman with the chieftaincy title of Izon Ebidiowei 1 of Ijaw Kingdom.

    The royal father urged Ganduje to replicate what he did in Kano for the community.

  • Ondo’s governorship victory was free of external influence, says APC Ganduje

    Ondo’s governorship victory was free of external influence, says APC Ganduje

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has affirmed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s victory in the Ondo State governorship election was achieved without interference from the presidency or any external forces. 

    Ganduje made this statement on Wednesday at the APC national secretariat in Abuja while receiving Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented them with their certificates of return. 

    The APC Chairman in Ondo state also declared that the party’s resounding victory in the state marked the political demise of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

    Expressing his joy, Ganduje highlighted that the party’s triumph in 202 out of 203 wards demonstrated its overwhelming acceptance by the people of Ondo state. 

    “This must be an issue that was embraced by all. You enjoyed the support of the electorates in the state. We have to congratulate you on this landslide victory. I know Ondo people are progressives which was why they will cooperate with you,” he stated while felicitating with Aiyedatiwa and his Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, and party chieftains from Ondo state.

    Ganduje said Aiyedatiwa’s victory would not have been made possible but for the eventual unity of purpose and harmonious relationship amongst party chieftains in the state.

    The chairman who then expressed optimism that the party would sustain its winning streak after the end of Aiyedatiwa’s tenure in office, advised the governor to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor, Late Rotimi Akeredolu.

    He also enjoined Aiyedatiwa to ensure the even spread of developmental projects and avoid falling into the trap of abandonment of projects in the state.

    Expressing gratitude to the party leadership and electorates in the state for his victory at the polls, Gov. Aiyedatiwa assured the people of his state that his victory has placed a burden of service on him.

    Adducing the victory recorded by the APC in Ondo and Edo states to Ganduje’s track record of mobilisations, and strategic planning as a politician of repute in the country, the governor said that the party was set to win Osun State.

    He said: “I cannot but come here to appreciate party the platform that gave me the opportunity to run the race. Come here to stop over to thank you. It’s not a case of being disrespectful not to present my certificate of return to you, but to wait for the return of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “The people of Ondo state knew who they wanted and voted for integrity, continuity, and good leadership that we represent with the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President.

    “That was what happened when we attained a feat never achieved before. We won in every local government in the state. With the election, the Ondo people spoke clearly and loudly that they voted for APC represented by myself.

    “We served within the last 10 months and people have seen the way to go. We made promises and with the massive votes the people gave to us, they have placed a burden on us to do more than what did in the last 10 months. After we end our service, the APC will take over from us again to ensure the name of our party will be intact.”

    Earlier the State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin said the outcome of the November 16 governorship election in the state has finally nailed the coffin of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    Read Also: Ondo victory: APC will remain in power for a long time – Ganduje

    “We have delivered as you directed. The delivery is so large that we broke the record in the state. Since the inception of democratic elections in Ondo State, no Governorship candidate ever won in all the 18 local government areas of the state.

    “This shows that our party is loved by the people of the state. Ours is a progressive state. Our people love our national leader, President Bola Tinubu and we believe in the leadership of our governor, Hon. Lucky Orimsan Aiyedatiwa.”

    The chairman then assured the national leadership that, “I want to assure you that we will not disappoint you. We will strengthen the party and make it the largest in the state because we have finally killed PDP in Ondo State.

    “Before the election, a large shrunk of PDP leadership defected to APC. The outcome of the election has shown the whole world that there is no PDP in Ondo State

  • Ganduje’s comment on Osun, Oyo takeover unsettles Adeleke

    Ganduje’s comment on Osun, Oyo takeover unsettles Adeleke

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has berated the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, over  his comment that the APC pans to take over Osun and Oyo states, after the party’s governorship victory in Ondo State.

    The Nation reports that Ganduje, after Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the winner of Ondo State governorship election, said the push to take over Oyo and Osun states controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had begun.

    Reacting to the comment, Adeleke said Ganduje’s statement was aimed to destabilise and cause crisis in the Southwest.

    The governor, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in a statement yesterday said the anti-democratic utterances of the APC leader contrasted with the democratic credentials of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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    “As a well-read politician, one would have expected Dr Ganduje to know that electoral contests depend mostly on local indexes and factors and that what obtains in Edo and Ondo is surely different from political facts on ground in Osun State.

    “Local permutations, grievances and interests dictate how people vote, rather than superimposed force,’’ the spokesperson noted, citing the failure of the APC leader to win Kano State governorship election for his party.”

    He taunted Ganduje for losing Kano State to the Kwankwasiyya group, which beat his caucus after governing the state for eight years.

  • Adeleke kicks over Ganduje’s comment on APC plots to take over Osun, Oyo

    Adeleke kicks over Ganduje’s comment on APC plots to take over Osun, Oyo

    Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, has criticised the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for his comments regarding the party’s intentions to take over Osun and Oyo states following its gubernatorial victory in Ondo state.

    The Nation reports that after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa the winner of the Ondo gubernatorial election, Ganduje announced that efforts to capture Oyo and Osun states, which are currently controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had begun.

    In his response, Adeleke argued that Ganduje’s statement was intended to destabilise the southwest region and incite conflict.

    Through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke stated on Monday, asserting that the anti-democratic comments made by the APC leader are in stark contrast to the democratic principles upheld by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

     “As a well-read politician, one would have expected Dr Ganduje to know that electoral contests depend mostly on local indexes and factors and that what obtains in Edo and Ondo are surely different from political facts on the ground in Osun state.

    “Local permutations, grievances, and interests dictate how people vote rather than superimposed force, the spokesperson noted, citing the failure of the APC leader to win the Kano state governorship race for his party.”

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    He mocked Ganduje for losing Kano State to the Kwankwasiyya group, which defeated his faction after he governed the state for eight years.

    “Osun factors which enthroned Governor Adeleke would not resist any attempt to disrespect the will of Osun people in 2026.

    “If Dr Ganduje truly loves Mr President, why is he pushing to destabilize the president’s home zone through open threats to violate electoral law and deny the electorate their rights to vote and be voted for.”

  • Ondo victory: APC will remain in power for a long time – Ganduje

    Ondo victory: APC will remain in power for a long time – Ganduje

    The national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has predicted that the party’s growing acceptance in the country is an indication that it will be in power for a long time.

    Ganduje’s prediction was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Sunday in Abuja, while reacting to the re-election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state.

    The elated APC national chairman said the outcome of the elections in Edo and Ondo States was an indication that Nigerians have embraced the ruling party.

    “Recent victories by the party in Edo and Ondo States were not a fluke but an attestation that Nigerians have embraced the APC as their party, assuring that the party will remain in power for a very long time.”

    The Chairman noted that Aiyedatiwa’s remarkable success last weekend was a testament to the trust and confidence the people of Ondo State have in his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to their well-being.

    He added: “Ayedatiwa’s victory is not just a win for the APC but a triumph for democracy and the enduring will of the people.”

    Ganduje said the election was a clear reflection of the collective aspirations of the good people of the state, who have chosen continuity, progress, and development over retrogression.

    Read Also: Ondo election: Aiyedatiwa wins in Okitipupa, Akure North

    APC chairman commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a transparent, credible, and peaceful election, which further consolidates Nigeria’s democratic gains.

    He also lauded the security agencies and stakeholders for ensuring a conducive environment for voters to exercise their franchise freely.

    The National Chairman expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, members, and supporters of the APC across Ondo State for their hard work, resilience, and unity of purpose, which played a pivotal role in securing this well-deserved victory.

    Ganduje then advised the re-elected governor to remain focused on delivering people-oriented policies and programs that will uplift the living standards of the people of Ondo state.

    He also assured the governor of the party’s unwavering support and commitment to his administration’s success.

  • Ondo 2024: Ganduje solicits support for APC candidate

    Ondo 2024: Ganduje solicits support for APC candidate

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has urged Ondo State residents to vote for the party’s candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Saturday’s governorship election.

    Ganduje made the appeal yesterday at a conference at the University of Fortune, Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area.

    The conference, dubbed the Aseyori Conference was a brainchild of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s political structure. No fewer than 5, 200 participants attended the event.

    The national chairman urged the members to election on Saturday.

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    Ganduje said: “We are here to motivate and encourage you but you are motivated and courageous too, so make sure you all vote for the APC to be victorious next Saturday.”

    Senator Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, directed his constituents to ignore rumours of non-alignment with Aiyedatiwa due to the primary where the governor emerged as the APC candidate.

    He said: “Politics is a social game, so don’t fight for me, or argue on my behalf, I can fight for myself. Ignore every rumour making the rounds about me and the party organise your units and wards and ensure you vote for APC on Saturday. This is what I want from you.

    “The APC is a great party poised for victory because the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) cannot win the election. You did it during the 2023 election when I defeated Agboola Ajayi with 110,665 votes against 65,784 votes and Tinubu also won here, I want you to do it again so that APC will be victorious.”

    Senator Tayo Alasoadura, the Chairman of Aseyori, also urged the members to work assiduously in all their units and wards to ensure that the APC wins the election.

    Alasoadura, a former Minister of State for Niger-Delta Affairs, also urged the members to be united and focus on the victory of APC at the poll. He said: “We urge you all to work assiduously at your units, and wards without any rancour with anyone and deliver 700,000 votes from Ondo South for the APC next Saturday.”

    Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy and running mate, Olaide Adelami, thanked Ibrahim for siting his university in the state. He said: “Thank you for this great institution of learning with massive buildings, I am indeed marvelled with this and I pray for a long life for you.

    “I am marvelled at this great crowd I see here today too, I urge you to remind your husbands, wives and children to vote for the APC on Saturday.”

    Ondo APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, former chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, former governorship aspirant, Bamidele Ololeyelogun, former Speaker of the House of Assembly and many traditional rulers were present.

  • Ganduje affirms support for APC UK Chapter

    Ganduje affirms support for APC UK Chapter

    •Pledges commitment to diaspora progress

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has confirmed the United Kingdom chapter of the APC under the leadership of Hon. Tunde Doherty as the authentic and officially recognized representative of the party in the UK. Ganduje emphasized that the Doherty-led team remains committed to the progress of the APC within the diaspora.

     Ganduje’s statement followed rumors suggesting that diaspora chapters of the APC lacked formal recognition within the party’s constitution. Addressing members of the APC UK executive, he affirmed that Hon. Doherty’s leadership is the sole legitimate arm of the APC in the UK, adding that the national party leadership would not be swayed by any blackmail or misinformation aimed at undermining its choice.

    The APC chairman congratulated the newly elected members of the APC UK executive, whose election was overseen by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Dr. Ajibola Basiru, and reiterated the national party’s backing for their administration. Ganduje praised the quality and dedication of the new UK executive members, describing them as serious leaders aligned with the party’s vision and committed to advancing the APC’s interests abroad.

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     Ganduje assured the APC UK chapter of increased opportunities for involvement in party affairs and government engagements, reinforcing the importance of the diaspora’s contributions to the APC’s progress. “This is the authentic representative of the APC UK,” he stated. “I know that you are all committed to the progress of our party, and I want to assure you of the national leadership’s full support.”

    The APC chairman highlighted the recent congress held under the supervision of the National Secretary as a successful demonstration of the UK chapter’s commitment to the party’s growth. “The success of the congress is a testament to your dedication, marking a new dawn in the APC UK’s trajectory,” he noted. He acknowledged the likelihood of challenges to the legality of the new executive but urged members to remain focused on promoting the APC’s ideology within the UK, remarking that litigation is a natural aspect of political processes.

  • APC will take over Rivers, Ganduje declares

    APC will take over Rivers, Ganduje declares

    The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has expressed confidence that Rivers state will soon be under party’s control. 

    Speaking at an event in Abuja, Ganduje emphasised that the party’s chapter in Rivers state would be “rebuilt and repositioned” to establish a stronghold in the state. 

    Ganduje made this statement when Dr. Dawari Ibietela George, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), officially rejoined the APC.

    During their discussion, the leaders focused on rebuilding the party’s Rivers state chapter and making it a platform to effectively serve the people of the state and the country. 

    Ganduje highlighted the party’s commitment to embracing diverse interests while ensuring fairness. 

    He described George as a “big fish” and commended his political acumen, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen the party’s influence.

    “Rivers State will be completely APC,” Ganduje declared, underscoring his expectations from George’s return to the party. He welcomed George and assured him that a robust structure would be established to accommodate him and other returning members. 

    “You are now equal members with every other member of the party. We are bent on widening democracy in the country,” Ganduje added.

    The event at the APC national headquarters saw the attendance of several prominent party figures, including members of the National Working Committee, such as Chief Hon Victor Giadom, Vice Chairman South-South, Hon Titsi Ganama, the 2023 APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Adamawa State, and several former colleagues of Dr. George in the House of Representatives. 

    Among them were Hon Bimbo Daramola, Hon Bello Ibrahim, Hon Nadu Karibo, and Hon Robinson Uwak. Barr. Tonnie Anierohwom, AA’s 2023 Deputy governorship candidate in Rivers state, was also officially received into the APC. 

    Read Also: Ganduje, APC governors rally support for Aiyedatiwa

    The party leaders from Rivers state gathered to witness and welcome George and his team back to the party.

    Earlier, Dr. George paid a thank-you visit to the National Chairman of the Action Alliance, Chief Ken Udeze, to officially inform him of his decision to return to the APC. 

    Udeze appreciated the visit, commending George for the courtesy of updating the party on his political moves. 

    He remarked: “The respect and cordiality we share will remain positively memorable for both of us.”

    Udeze also commended George and his team for their dedication and contributions to the growth of the Action Alliance, noting that their efforts in the party’s development would leave an indelible mark.

  • Ondo polls: Ganduje, governors beg aggrieved APC members

    Ondo polls: Ganduje, governors beg aggrieved APC members

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Ganduje, along with governors elected under the party, has urged the aggrieved members in Ondo state to support Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the upcoming governorship election next month. 

    Among those aggrieved are the governorship aspirants who competed against Governor Aiyedatiwa in the APC primary. 

    While addressing party members, Ganduje emphasized that achieving victory at the polls is a collective responsibility for all party members. He encouraged everyone to unite in their efforts to secure success in the election.

    Ganduje said: “Our mission is to give you assurance that our party is solidly behind you, .that the party at the national level are behind you. We are here to give you hope, to encourage you, to make you feel that this election is a task that must be done.

    “We are so encouraged that there is unity in this party, especially when you invited all aspirants, there is no victor no vanquish in the primary. This is a win-win situation. This is a big achievement.

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    “I’m expecting 90 percent victory in this election. Make sure that you know those who are supposed to vote in your units.  You must be involved in a house-to-house campaign. We are strategizing, we must have 100 percent states of the South West, beginning from Ondo State.”

    Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Sanwolu who is the Coordinator of the party in the Southwest, called for unity among members.

    “The South West APC leaders meeting was successful, coming up today, we are truly happy, the main reason, it is because of you. To come here and thank you. All of you are critical to the election of November 16. The future is bright for Ondo State. We must agree. We can’t get any leadership support other than this. For me, it is to congratulate all of us.

    “I am happy for the turnout. If we come together, we will win. We are going to an election, we need everyone in this election that is why I brought everyone together, to come and appeal to you. More than 85 percent of the votes we must get,” Sanwolu urged.

    Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebamiji said the November 16th polls would be a deciding moment in the history of the state.

    He urged APC members not to allow the achievements of law Akeredolu to be reversed.

    “We have a duty to keep Ondo State in the progressive circle. Coming second is not an option. We must retain APC in power.”

    Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele urged the party to integrate all the aggrieved members to foster unity ahead of the forthcoming election.

    He said: “I want to say that the true heroes are the aspirants. I beg you in the name of God. This is actually the President’s election.  Make them (aggrieved aspirants) relevant, and integrate them. This reconciliation continues after the election because, the PDP doesn’t have a candidate, after the election, he (Agboola Ajayi) is still coming back.”

    One of the former aspirants, Chief Olusola Oke declared that all the 16 aspirants have agreed to work for Governor Aiyedatiwa to ensure that the opposition party does not take over the state.

    “All the 16 aspirants have resolved to settle and agree to work with the candidate of our party. We believe that we should not allow the state to slip into opposition.”

    Among those who attended the reconciliation meeting were Chief Olusola Oke, Isaac Kekemeke, Wale Akinterinwa, and Mrs Oladunni Odu.

  • North Central APC suspends Ganduje’s resignation demand as NEC meets

    North Central APC suspends Ganduje’s resignation demand as NEC meets

    The North Central All Progressives Congress(APC) Forum has suspended its agitation and demand for removal of Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) ahead of the scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC). 

    The forum has been opposed to the appointment of Ganduje from onset, arguing the position is for the North Central according to the party constitution of 2022 as amended.

    The Forum had been engaged in several agitations for Ganduje’s removal through protests, press conferences, consultations, letters, including dragging him to a Federal High Court in Abuja for the nullification of his appointment as the National Chairman of the party.

    But in a statement on Wednesday, the Chairman of the North Central APC Forum, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, said they are not opposed to Ganduje as a person but pursuing the rights, privileges and democratic dividends for the region.

    The chairman explained that some peace and reconciliatory initiatives have been made and they will obliged as their overall intension is progress of the party, the leadership as well as well as the NEC.

    “It has been seven years since the formation of this great North Central APC Forum. Seven years of formidable struggle and agitation in defense of our geo-political zone. We have indeed led struggles for the political balance of our region and the Almighty Allah is gracious to us as a people. 

    “You may recall that, when the former National Chairman of our Party, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu resigned his position in 2023, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was elected by the National Executive Committee, NEC as his replacement. 

    “Immediately after the announcement, we stood in defense of our region, insisted that,  Abdullahi Adamu’s successor should have come from the North Central geo-political zone in line with the party’s constitution. We addressed press conferences, organized protests and instituted lawsuit against the national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at a Federal High Court Abuja.

    “It was a long judicial battle that we believe was going to be victorious, unfortunately, the court decided the case against us. We were committed, dogged and resilient in pressing on. Still we give glory to Allah for he knows all things.

    “Let it be on record that we do not have personal issue against the person of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, he is our national chairman.

    “Our activism is based on our feelings that the national chairman should have been retained in the north central zone after the exit of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu. 

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    “We have come to agreement that the NEC has all the powers to make decisions for our party including the zoning and elections into vacant positions of our party. We understand that it was NEC that elected Ganduje. More importantly is the fact that, another NEC is by the corner where further decisions will made to the advantage of party as we prepare towards 2027 general elections. 

    “We at the North Central APC Forum have unanimously agreed to step down our agitation pending the decision of the National Executive Committee of our party. 

    “This is inline with our principle of fairness, equity and justice in order not to cause unnecessary disaffection among political leaders from the North Central zone and other leaders of our party. 

    “We also believed that, by standing down at this time shall give the North Central geo-political zone the fair hearing at the NEC where our political leaders will have free hands to negotiate with the centre, some specific benefits which should be attracted to the zone,” he said.