The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has downplayed the recent meeting between opposition leaders, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, calling it an ineffective and futile effort that poses no threat to the ruling party or President Bola Tinubu. He described the coalition as a “joint venture doomed to fail.”
Ganduje made these remarks during a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna, accompanied by members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC). He highlighted the APC’s significant growth in both membership and popularity over the past two years, asserting that the party has firmly established itself as Nigeria’s ruling party and the largest political party in Africa.
He attributed the APC’s electoral successes—including securing the presidency and winning several off-season elections—to strategic initiatives that expanded its grassroots appeal and boosted nationwide support.
The visit came shortly after Atiku and other opposition figures met with Buhari. Ganduje, however, clarified that the APC’s visit was a post-Sallah homage, delayed because many NWC members were abroad during the celebrations. The delegation also used the opportunity to update Buhari on the party’s progress and growing influence, including the defection of key political figures from other parties.
Ganduje emphasized the APC’s commitment to deepening grassroots engagement. He noted that the NWC now holds weekly meetings, fostering more regular interactions with support groups, state chapters, international stakeholders, diaspora members, and foreign envoys. As part of a new strategy, the party now launches campaign councils in the affected states rather than from Abuja, signaling a more people-centered approach.
He also pointed to recent high-profile defections to the APC, such as former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, ex-Labour Party governorship candidate Edwin Nkwegu, Senator Obinna Ogba, and Senator Uche Ekwunife, among others.
In response, former President Buhari expressed gratitude for the visit and reaffirmed his support for the APC, praising the party’s continued growth and acceptance among Nigerians.
