Ganduje: APC Unbothered by Atiku’s Visit to Buhari

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has dismissed any concern over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent meeting with ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the ruling party remains focused and united.

Speaking to journalists after leading a delegation of APC leaders to Buhari’s residence in Kaduna, Ganduje clarified that their visit was simply to brief the former president on the party’s progress since his departure from office and to reaffirm their loyalty.

“We are not worried at all,” Ganduje stated. “Our purpose was to pay our respects to the former president and inform him about the achievements of our party since he left office. We assured him of our commitment to keeping him regularly updated.”

Atiku’s meeting with Buhari has sparked speculation about possible political realignment, but Ganduje was quick to dismiss such notions. “That visit does not concern us. It’s merely an attempt to recreate past scenarios, but it will not succeed. Some elements simply cannot coalesce,” he said confidently.

Although he declined to go into details, Ganduje hinted that the APC is fully equipped to deal with any potential opposition moves. “We won’t reveal our strategies, but we are ready for any challenge. The progress made under President Tinubu is further solidifying our party,” he added.

He also expressed the APC’s ambitions to increase its grip on power beyond the 21 states it currently controls. Ganduje noted the party is optimistic about gaining new ground through defections or at the ballot box. “Some governors may choose to join us, or we may defeat them at the polls. Regardless, we are expanding our influence. We are satisfied with our current position, but we are not complacent,” he stated.

Addressing internal party dynamics, Ganduje emphasized that while a few defections had occurred, they have not weakened the APC. “The departure of a few individuals is inconsequential in the grand scheme,” he said, adding that more influential figures from other parties are joining the ruling party.

On the issue of fairness in federal appointments, especially criticisms of imbalance, Ganduje defended the Tinubu administration, saying appointments are being made with fairness in mind. “Appointments are dynamic, and over time, you will see a balance. We are working on statistics to prove that there is no bias in the president’s appointments,” he concluded.