The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has told those jostling to replace President Bola Tinubu in Aso Rock that there is no vacancy in the presidential seat of power come 2027.
The former Kano state governor specifically taunted the leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and its chieftains in Kano state, accusing them of sponsoring protests and campaigning for his removal as APC national chairman.
Addressing a crowd of supporters and some support groups who paid him a solidarity visit on Monday evening in Abuja, Dr. Ganduje said the NNPP and its chieftains were afraid of future electoral losses after having been defeated across the country in the last general election.
Ganduje said; “They are so afraid because we are consolidating. They are so afraid all over the country because we are receiving new entrants into our party. That is creating fears in their minds. They are already eyeing 2027, but at that time, there is no vacancy. Only our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will, by God’s grace, continue as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
While urging APC supporters to ignore what he described as Africa magic drama, Ganduje said; “So, we urge you to be committed to our party so that our party will continue to forge ahead.”
“We have had your commitment and speeches, and we understand your mission. The whole drama, political rascality—started in Kano with the government. Instead of responding to the yearnings, needs, and demands of the people of Kano State, they decided to divert attention.
“Our eyes are on those who are diverting our attention to political propaganda against the APC. Can we allow them to continue like that? We understand what they are doing. It is a political drama.
“What they are doing is African magic drama in order to convey a failed programme and projects by failed politicians. We will not allow them to continue with that. They are also sponsoring pockets of dissident protests from all over the country. They are spending huge amounts of money in order for people to demonstrate against the leadership of our party. It is a complete failure based on what we have seen all over the country.
“Now, you should know that they are sponsored by the Kano State Government. And they are a small party. They are a microparty. They are a party that is terribly defeated all over the country. It is a party that is breaking down. It is a party that is a mixture of failed politicians. If you follow what is happening in that party, you will find out that it is a party that is sharply divided between those who are authentic members of the party and those who are fake members of the party—individualistic and so arrogant in the management of the political party.”
Speaking earlier, the convener of the solidarity walk, Prof. Salihu Ahmad Alizaga, said loyal party men and women in thousands have converged to show solidarity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Chairman of the APC.
Prof. Alizaga said, “We are here to tell the whole world that the APC is one united family, devoid of rancor as erroneously portrayed and speculated by a few individuals under the obviously sponsored New Nigeria Peoples Party, (NNPP)-led Kano State Government.
“We advise those who wish to be National Chairman after Dr. Abdullah Ganduje, to wait till the next elective convention, where everyone will be allowed to test their popularity in the convention field.
“The NEC of our great party has elected Dr Abdullah Ganduje as the National Chairman, and he has a tenure of office to complete. There is no ambiguity at all.
“As faithful party men and women, we unequivocally pass a vote of absolute confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President, Commander in Chief of Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and our Egalitarian National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for their jobs well done. Our support for the two of you is one hundred percent.
“We are confident that those who want the National Chairman removed are those who are interested in unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. We can not sacrifice competence on the altar of mediocrity.”
