The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed the recent visit by the opposition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as an ineffective and futile attempt that poses no threat to the ruling party or President Bola Tinubu. Ganduje characterized the opposition coalition as a joint venture that is bound to fail.
He made these remarks during a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s residence in Kaduna, where he led members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC). Ganduje emphasized that the APC has experienced significant growth, both in terms of membership and popularity, particularly over the last two years. This progress, according to Ganduje, has solidified the APC’s position as Nigeria’s ruling party and the largest political party in Africa.
The APC’s electoral successes, including securing the presidency and winning the majority of off-season elections, were credited to this growth. Ganduje attributed these victories to the party’s strategic initiatives, which he believes have enhanced its popularity and expanded its membership.
The visit, which took place a few hours after a visit by opposition leaders led by Atiku Abubakar, was described by Ganduje as a post-Sallah homage, acknowledging that many members of the NWC had been abroad during the Sallah celebrations. He also highlighted the purpose of the visit, which was to update former President Buhari on the APC’s activities and the progress made under his leadership, including the party’s success in attracting members from other political parties.
Ganduje also spoke about the APC’s efforts to enhance grassroots participation. He noted that the National Working Committee (NWC) had initiated regular weekly meetings, which facilitated more consistent engagement with various support groups, state chapters, international groups, party members in the diaspora, and foreign envoys. In a bid to build on the party’s fortunes, the NWC introduced a people-centered approach to campaign administration, shifting the focus from Abuja to the affected states for the inauguration of campaign councils.
Additionally, Ganduje mentioned the expansion of the APC’s membership, citing high-profile political figures who have recently joined the party, including former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former Labour Party governorship candidate in Ebonyi State Edwin Nkwegu, Senator Obinna Ogba, Senator Uche Ekwunife from Anambra State, and many others.
In response, former President Buhari thanked the APC leadership for the visit, assuring them of his continued support for the party and expressing satisfaction with the growing acceptance of the APC among Nigerians.