North Central leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are in a standoff with Abdullahi Ganduje, the current national chairman of the party, urging him to step down in favor of a more eligible candidate from their region. Despite the pressure, Ganduje remains steadfast in his position.
The Conflict
At a stakeholders’ meeting held in Lafiya, Nasarawa State last week, the North Central APC Forum expressed dissatisfaction with Ganduje’s leadership.
The meeting, which was attended by key figures such as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), governors, past governors, senators, and other critical stakeholders, failed to reach a resolution. The North Central APC leaders refused to acknowledge Ganduje’s leadership and did not pass a vote of confidence in him.
Regional Dispute
Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, the leader of the North Central APC Forum, emphasized that the position of national chairman traditionally belongs to the North Central region, not the North West, from which Ganduje hails. The forum is determined to reclaim what they believe is their rightful position and has called on Ganduje to cease lobbying for support to retain his office.
Despite the opposition, Ganduje has been actively participating in North Central APC stakeholders’ meetings and attempting to build relationships within the region. However, Zazzaga made it clear that Ganduje’s efforts to integrate himself and acknowledge the region’s rights will not deter their motion to have him step down. They have urged him to prioritize resolving the ongoing crisis in Kano and addressing the charges brought against him by the current government.
Background Conflict in Kano
The crisis in Kano traces back to Ganduje’s removal of Muhammad Sanusi II as emir and the creation of five new emirates, a move his successor, Governor Abba Yusuf, deemed unwise. Yusuf has since reinstated Sanusi as the sole Emir of Kano. This dispute, while seemingly a clash between two emirs, is fundamentally a political struggle between a governor and his predecessor, highlighting the tensions and power dynamics within the state.
Bottom Line
The confrontation within the APC over the national chairmanship underscores the regional tensions and political maneuvering that are shaping the party’s future. The North Central leaders’ insistence on reclaiming the chairmanship position reflects deeper issues of regional representation and internal party democracy. Ganduje’s ability to maintain his position amidst these challenges will be a significant test of his political acumen and influence within the party.
