ABUJA, Nigeria — The National Executive Committee, NEC, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ushered in a new era on Thursday, August 3, 2023, electing former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, as the National Chairman and former Senate spokesman, Ajibola Basiru, from Osun State as National Secretary.
The landmark decision took place at the 12th NEC meeting of the party held at the prestigious Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.
The meeting was a high-profile affair, attended by President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, and numerous chieftains of the party in the National Assembly.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Ganduje expressed gratitude and laid out his vision: “I thank the President and promise that internal democracy will prevail in the party during my tenure,” he said.
He pledged to ensure a scientific register of party members, pay utmost attention to election management, and committed to conflict resolution within the party.
According to Mr. Ganduje, his leadership will be characterized by fairness: “There will be a level playing field for all party members during party primaries,” he declared, adding that he would “hit the ground running to ensure victory for the party in all forthcoming governorship elections across the country.”
President Tinubu, addressing the 12th NEC of the party, used the occasion to remind everyone of the APC’s recent electoral triumphs.
“The APC has won the elections, and it is now time to deliver the promises of good governance to the Nigerian people,” he emphasized. He insisted that the 2023 elections were the best in Nigeria’s history, setting a tone of optimism for the future.
Conspicuously absent at the NEC meeting were ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
However, the presence of Bisi Akande, the party’s first National Chairman, underscored the occasion’s significance.
The newly elected officials will assume their posts following a turbulent period in the party, marked by the resignation of two members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) mid-July.
Senator Abdullahi Adamu and Iyiola Omisore resigned as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.
Political analysts in Nigeria view the appointments of Ganduje and Basiru as a reflection of the party’s efforts to unite various factions and create a more cohesive and effective leadership.
The promises made by the new National Chairman and the President’s reiteration of commitment to good governance indicate a determination to move the party forward and sustain its electoral success.
With the new leadership at the helm, the APC appears poised to embark on a new chapter marked by increased internal democracy, efficient election management, and a dedication to delivering on its governance promises to the Nigerian people.
The challenge will be translating these promises into tangible results in a complex and often fractious political landscape.