Ganduje Inaugurates APC France Chapter, Reaffirms Support for Diaspora Voting

Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has inaugurated the new executive committee of the APC France Chapter in Paris, urging diaspora members to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing reforms and Renewed Hope Agenda.

The event, held over the weekend in Paris, brought together prominent members of the APC diaspora community. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, on Monday in Abuja, Dr. Ganduje commended the efforts of Nigerians abroad in strengthening the party’s international presence through active membership recruitment and political mobilization.

Addressing the gathering, Ganduje emphasized the crucial role of unity among APC members in the diaspora and underlined their importance in supporting the administration’s economic transformation drive.

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He acknowledged that some of the current reforms introduced under President Tinubu may seem painful, but insisted they are necessary for long-term economic sustainability. “They are necessary steps to reposition Nigeria’s economy for sustainable growth,” he said.

Ganduje also reiterated the party’s commitment to achieving diaspora voting, stating that the APC leadership would continue to work with the National Assembly to actualize this long-standing aspiration. “We appreciate you for holding the banner of our party, expanding its membership, and supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially in light of the critical reforms he is undertaking,” he said.

“There is now more funding for capital development, and both governors and local government chairmen can attest to this,” he added.

Referencing recent meetings of the APC National Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC), Dr. Ganduje noted that both bodies expressed overwhelming support for the President’s performance. “At the end of the NEC meeting, a vote of confidence was passed on President Tinubu because of the progress his administration is making. He is a reformer and has introduced significant changes, especially in the economic sector,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Ganduje expressed optimism about the APC’s prospects, citing growing internal cohesion and high-profile defections from other political parties. “There is peace in the APC, unlike in other parties battling internal crises. Because of this enabling environment, many are decamping to our party including Senators, members of the House of Representatives, State Assembly members, and other notable political figures. Our party respects its constitution and practices internal democracy,” he stated.

In her acceptance remarks, the newly inaugurated Chairlady of the APC France Chapter, Hajjiya Amina Musa Baba Suzuki, reaffirmed the vital role of Nigerians in the diaspora in shaping the country’s development trajectory not only economically, but politically.

“The Nigerian diaspora contributes billions in remittances and investments, but we are also thought leaders and proud ambassadors of Nigeria’s democracy,” she said.

She called for increased support for diaspora party chapters, noting their importance in promoting Nigeria’s image and political interests abroad. “We serve as vital links between our people and democratic processes at home. Our chapter and others like it act as soft-power diplomats, advocates, and connectors,” she said.

Suzuki concluded with a passionate appeal to the APC leadership to ensure diaspora voting becomes a reality. “Under your visionary leadership, we believe diaspora voting can become a reality. It is not only possible, it is necessary. We respectfully urge you to make this dream come true during the life of this administration. After all, where there is a will, there is always a way.”

The event was attended by several dignitaries including the wife of the APC National Chairman, Professor Hafsat Ganduje; APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile; Chairman of all APC Chairmen in Europe, Hon. Tunde Doherty; HRM Oba Aderounmu Bamidele Sadiq, the Yoruba Oba in France, Ilufemiloye I of France, among others.