Ganduje leads APC leadership to Daura, briefs Buhari on party affairs

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, on Friday led members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Daura, Kaduna State.

The high-level meeting came just hours after former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, paid his own Sallah visit to the former president—raising political eyebrows as opposition figures and ruling party leaders appeared at Buhari’s doorstep in quick succession.

Speaking to journalists after the closed-door session, Ganduje said the visit was aimed at updating Buhari on key developments within the APC since he left office in May 2023.

He noted that the party remains committed to upholding the values and legacy that Buhari instilled during his tenure.

“We are not worried at all. We came to pay our respects to the former president and also to update him on the achievements of our great party since his departure. We assured him that we would continue to keep him informed regularly,” Ganduje said.

Addressing the political undertones of Atiku’s recent visit to Buhari, Ganduje dismissed it as inconsequential.

“That visit is of no concern to us. It’s just another attempt at repeating history, but it won’t work. What they are trying to build is not viable. Some particles simply cannot come together,” he stated.

Although he refrained from going into details, the APC chairman alluded to behind-the-scenes efforts aimed at solidifying the party’s dominance ahead of future political battles.

“We won’t disclose our intricacies or technicalities, but we are equal to the task. The progress President Tinubu has made is strengthening the party even further,” he said.

Ganduje also spoke on the APC’s strategic focus beyond its current control of 21 states, expressing optimism about expanding its influence either through political realignments or electoral victories.

“Some governors may join us, or we may defeat them at the polls. Either way, we are expanding our reach. We’re comfortable with where we are, but we are not resting on our oars.
“Bigwigs from other parties are joining us. The few who left don’t matter in the bigger picture,” he said.

On claims of regional bias in President Tinubu’s appointments, Ganduje defended the administration’s approach, arguing that the process is inclusive and evidence of equity would soon be presented.

“Appointments are dynamic. Over time, you will see balance. We are working on statistics to show there’s no bias in the president’s appointments,” he added.