'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed any concerns about legal challenges aimed at his leadership, describing recent lawsuits as "baseless" and asserting that they pose no threat to the party's stability. Ganduje made this declaration on Monday while receiving a delegation of North Central Elders at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
The former Kano State Governor, who recently triumphed in a court case challenging his leadership, expressed gratitude to the North Central Elders for their unwavering support. He emphasized that despite efforts by some individuals to undermine his leadership, the party remains strong and unshaken by "baseless litigations."
Addressing the delegation, Ganduje said, “We don't fear such baseless litigations. The Federal High Court has ruled against the lawsuit challenging my position, treating it as unfounded, and rightly so."
Ganduje assured the elders that with the backing of party members, governors, and youths, the APC is poised for greater success. He reiterated the party’s determination to remain focused on its goals, including expanding membership and consolidating power across more states in Nigeria. He pointed to the APC’s victory in the recent Edo gubernatorial election as proof of the party’s growing influence and effective strategies.
“The election last Saturday is a testimony that our efforts are bearing fruit. We are winning states despite facing incumbent governments, and we will continue to do so. The APC is well-prepared with the right equipment, strategy, and network to demolish any obstacles,” Ganduje added.
The APC chairman also took the opportunity to reaffirm the party's commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope" agenda. Acknowledging the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, Ganduje emphasized that the reforms being implemented by the administration are crucial for the long-term stability of the country. He said, “We know the times are hard, but the reforms are necessary to prevent the economy from collapsing. The Renewed Hope agenda is working and will continue to work.”
Earlier in the meeting, the leader of the North Central Elders delegation and former Senate President, Ameh Ebute, congratulated Dr. Ganduje on his dual victories—the APC's success in the Edo gubernatorial election and the dismissal of the lawsuit challenging his position. Ebute praised Ganduje’s leadership, attributing the party’s recent achievements to his political acumen and strategic foresight.
“We have come to congratulate you for winning the gubernatorial election in Edo State and adding to the states controlled by the APC. We also congratulate you on the court victory this morning, where the suit against your chairmanship was dismissed,” Ebute said. “We have no doubt in your ability to lead this party to even greater heights.”
The octogenarian further expressed confidence in the APC’s future, stating that with Ganduje at the helm, the party is well-positioned to dominate the 2027 elections. He assured the APC chairman that the North Central Elders are solidly behind his administration and will continue to support the party’s efforts to grow and succeed.
As the meeting concluded, Ganduje reaffirmed that the APC’s focus remains on expanding its influence across the country and consolidating its power, regardless of legal distractions. “With you behind us, the governors behind us, and the youths behind us, we will not be deterred by baseless litigations or any other challenges,” he stated confidently.
The APC chairman’s remarks signal a strong stance against any attempts to destabilize the party's leadership, reinforcing the message that the party is united, resilient, and ready for future political battles.