The national executive committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed the appointment of the immediate-past Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, as national chairman of the party.
The highest decision-making body of the governing party also named Senator Basiru Ajibola as national secretary.
NEC took the decision at its 12th meeting held Thursday in Abuja.
Speaking after he was declared the party’s helmsman, Ganduje thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other leaders of the party, just as he promised a level playing ground as national chairman for all party faithful.
He stated: “We will ensure a level playing field for all party members that want to contest elections under the party’s platform. Our primary elections would be free, transparent and fair.”
“Let me start by expressing my sincere gratitude to Almighty GOD Who it has pleased to make me have the honour and privilege to lead this great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). I am, indeed, most humbled.”
Ganduje added: “May I also warmly appreciate the leader of our party, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Asiwaju and Jagaban of Borgu for his continued support and commitment to the ideals of our great party.
“I would also like to specially acknowledge the contributions of His Excellency the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House Representatives, Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas, leadership and Caucus of the National Assembly, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, members of the National Working Committee of our party, party Elders and members of the Caucus.
“Let me also thank the Progressive Governor’s Forum and all key stakeholders of our party for their dedication, diligence and strategic role in the development of our party.
“With boundless gratitude for the confidence placed in me by leaders and members of our party, and with an unswerving resolve to honour that trust, I humbly accept my appointment as the Chairman of our party, the APC.
“I am deeply touched and inspired by the generous words of congratulations and encouragement I have been receiving and wish to extend my deepest respect and appreciation to all the leaders and member for their strong support.
“Our main focus will be promoting party unity and defending and increasing the number of executive and legislative seats we currently hold.
“Under my watch, internal democracy will be strictly adhered to with a deliberate policy to engage in wider consultations and making party functional throughout the year.”
Ganduje further assured that more reforms will be carried out in the party in alignment with the current political landscape.
“We all agreed that we must unite our members to achieve support for our government to respond adequately, urgently and assertively” to the challenges that Nigerians confront on a daily basis.
“The challenges include unemployment, poverty, insecurity, social cohesion and the rising cost of living.
“I want to make a special appeal to Nigerians to bear with the President at this trying moment, considering that the country’s economy had been in shambles for years. I believe the policies and programmes to be unveiled by Mr. President when his administration fully takes shape, will surely turn around things for the better.
“Our party must remain rooted among the people, must demonstrate a willingness to serve and make sacrifices, and must be willing to acknowledge and address our weaknesses.
“It’s a huge privilege and an honour and a great responsibility to take on this job and I will do it with everything I have to the best of my ability for my party and my country.
“Let me also use this opportunity to call on members of our party and all the people of Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states to close ranks and ensure that the APC wins in the forthcoming governorship elections.
“Finally, while accepting this responsibility, I count on your support to help me deliver it the best way I can,” he further assured.
