Just hours after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar led a delegation of opposition figures, including Malam Nasir El-Rufai and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to visit former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, also visited Buhari for Sallah greetings.
During a press conference following the meeting, Ganduje responded to the earlier visit by Atiku and others, describing them as “strange-bird fellows” who cannot unite effectively.
He stated that the APC is in a strong position and expects to win not only the presidential election but also additional gubernatorial seats in the 2027 elections.
“We are here to pay Sallah respects to the former president and took time to brief him on our party’s achievements since he left, as we promised to keep him informed,” Ganduje said.
He dismissed concerns regarding the opposition coalition, asserting that their collaboration is unlikely to succeed due to their inability to unite.
Ganduje expressed confidence in the progress made under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, indicating that the party is poised for further victories. He noted that, despite having 21 APC-controlled states, they are aiming to bring more states into the fold, whether through direct elections or by welcoming governors into the party.
Addressing allegations of biased appointments by Tinubu, Ganduje stated that the APC is compiling accurate statistics to counter these claims, ensuring transparency regarding appointments made under Tinubu’s administration.
In his update about the APC, Ganduje highlighted the party’s new people-centered approach to campaign management, which involves conducting campaign councils in the states rather than from Abuja. This strategy encourages greater participation from party members and stakeholders.
He assured the former president of the party’s growth, mentioning recent high-profile defections to the APC, including former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and several other notable politicians.
Ganduje praised Buhari for his continued loyalty to the APC, reaffirming the party’s commitment to consult him for guidance in its operations.
He concluded by thanking Buhari for his support during the 2023 General Elections and expressed optimism about the relationship between the former president and the current administration under Tinubu.
