National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has downplayed concerns surrounding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, stating that the ruling party remains focused and unshaken.
Ganduje made the comments while speaking to journalists after leading a delegation of APC stakeholders to visit Buhari at his residence in Kaduna.
He noted that the visit was meant to keep the former president informed about the party’s activities since his departure from office and to reaffirm loyalty to his legacy.
“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 stated.
Commenting on Atiku’s earlier visit to Buhari, which has stirred speculation about a potential political alliance, Ganduje dismissed any notion of concern.
“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 remarked.
Though he refrained from revealing specific strategies, Ganduje suggested the APC is fully equipped to respond to political maneuvers by the opposition, assuring Nigerians of the party’s preparedness.
“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 added.
Looking ahead, Ganduje said the APC is optimistic about expanding its influence beyond the 21 states it currently governs. He expressed confidence that more political figures and state governments would align with the party either through defection or at the ballot box.
“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,” he said.
Ganduje also dismissed the significance of recent defections from the APC, maintaining that the party continues to attract influential members from other political platforms.
“Bigwigs from other parties are joining us. The few who left don’t matter in the bigger picture,” he said.
On the controversy surrounding alleged imbalance in federal appointments under President Tinubu, Ganduje defended the administration, saying that efforts are being made to ensure equitable distribution.
“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 said.
