Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano
On August 3, 2023, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR, was appointed as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), succeeding Abdullahi Adamu. His appointment marked a significant turning point for the ruling party, coming at a time when internal restructuring and unity were crucial. Ganduje’s deep-rooted experience in grassroots politics made him a strategic choice for the party’s top leadership position.
Since assuming office, he has played a key role in strengthening the APC’s internal framework, ensuring the party remains cohesive and formidable. His tenure has been marked by strategic reforms, consensus-building, and a renewed focus on party ideology, positioning the APC as a dominant force in Nigerian politics.
Determined to create a more structured and research-driven party, Ganduje spearheaded the establishment of The Progressive Institute (TPI), an intellectual resource center designed for research and training of party members. This initiative is regarded as a groundbreaking move, solidifying his legacy as a progressive leader. In line with this vision, he recently approved a proposed national conference on skills acquisition and youth empowerment, emphasizing the party’s commitment to capacity-building.
Under his leadership, the APC has fostered an inclusive and transparent environment, attracting new members from opposition parties. Notably, four Labour Party (LP) representatives in the House of Representatives, as well as members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have defected to the APC. Additionally, the party has intensified efforts to strengthen its state chapters, ensuring a well-organized presence across Nigeria.
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A major highlight of Ganduje’s leadership was the successful organization of the APC National Convention in November 2023. The convention, held in Abuja, gathered thousands of delegates, party officials, and stakeholders. It provided a platform for electing new leaders, reaffirming party policies, and reinforcing APC’s commitment to national development. His meticulous planning ensured a seamless event, further proving his ability to unite and steer the party through transformative periods.
Beyond party administration, Ganduje has worked tirelessly to resolve internal disputes, fostering dialogue and compromise among party members. His leadership has been instrumental in shifting focus from personal ambitions to collective goals, promoting unity and stability within the APC.
He has also been a strong advocate of the party’s ideology, emphasizing economic growth, infrastructure development, security, and social welfare. His proactive engagement with state and national leaders has ensured the successful execution of APC’s programs. Through his pragmatic governance approach, he has reinforced accountability and service delivery within the party’s ranks.
Ganduje has further sought to bridge political and ethnic divides, particularly working towards the inclusion of the Igbo community in mainstream national politics. He has assured them of the APC’s commitment to breaking historical patterns of marginalization. His leadership has also focused on key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education, ensuring that APC policies align with the aspirations of Nigerians.
Expanding the party’s influence has been another key achievement of Ganduje’s tenure. His outreach efforts have broadened APC’s support base, attracting members from diverse political backgrounds. His ability to engage with various interest groups and integrate their concerns into party policies has strengthened APC’s appeal across the country.
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Under his guidance, the APC has celebrated a series of electoral victories, notably in the five off-cycle gubernatorial elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi, Edo, and Ondo states. The party secured victories in four of these states, reinforcing its dominance in the political landscape.
In Ondo, APC’s Lucky Aiyedatiwa clinched a landslide victory with 366,781 votes, significantly outpacing PDP’s Ajayi Agboola, who secured 117,845 votes. In Edo, despite early projections favoring the PDP, APC’s Monday Okpebholo triumphed over Asue Ighodalo, signaling a major political shift in a traditionally PDP-leaning state.
Kogi witnessed another decisive win for the APC, as Governor Usman Ododo secured 446,237 votes, leaving his closest rival, Murtala Yakubu of the SDP, far behind with 259,052 votes. Similarly, in Imo, Governor Hope Uzodinma dominated all 27 local government areas with 540,308 votes, outpacing PDP’s Samuel Anyanwu and Labour Party’s Athan Achonu.
These victories underscore Ganduje’s strategic leadership in consolidating APC’s influence and building strong political alliances. His emphasis on inclusivity, transparency, and effective governance has reinforced the party’s standing as Nigeria’s leading political force.
On February 25, the APC National Caucus met at the State House and officially confirmed Ganduje’s transition from acting capacity to full-fledged National Chairman. The following day, during a gathering of party stakeholders, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lauded Ganduje’s leadership for its role in the party’s electoral successes.
“We can steer the future of this country and make a difference. Nigeria is a great African nation that can help the continent grow,” Tinubu declared. Reaffirming his commitment to the APC’s Renewed Hope Manifesto, the President emphasized the importance of food sovereignty in strengthening Nigeria’s regional influence.
“The sunny side of this country is on the horizon. Things are getting better; the days of gloom are gone,” he added, acknowledging the positive trajectory of the APC under Ganduje’s leadership, President Tinubu.
During his recent visit to Kano, Ganduje revealed that discussions are underway to welcome a serving senator from the NNPP, along with several National Assembly members from the state, into the APC.
As the party sets its sights on the 2027 general elections, Ganduje’s experience in governance, academia, and politics continues to be a defining factor. His leadership has not only revitalized the APC but also positioned it as a formidable force in Nigerian politics.
With his strategic approach, the party remains on course to achieving its objectives, uniting its members, and maintaining its influence across the country. Ganduje’s tenure as National Chairman has reaffirmed his reputation as a leader with vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to political excellence.
Umar Idris Shuaibu writes from Kano and can be contacted via shuaibuumaridris@gmail.com, 08066616097
