APC’s Resurgence: Ganduje’s Leadership Style Paying Off – Umar Idris Shuaibu

Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano

“Dr. Ganduje has been instrumental in ensuring that the party operates efficiently at all levels, from the national hierarchy down to local chapters. This has involved engaging with party leaders across the country, ensuring that the APC remains responsive to the needs of its members and the electorate at large”

On August 3, 2023, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR of Kano State was appointed as the National Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), succeeding Abdullahi Adamu.

This appointment marked the beginning of a new chapter in the party’s political journey, as Ganduje took charge at a time when the APC was looking for how to strengthen its internal structure and unify its members. Dr. Ganduje’s experience in grassroots politics may have made him an ideal choice for the party’s number one seat.

Since taking offer as APC National Chairman, Ganduje has been instrumental to the many success recorded by thy ruling party. In guiding the party toward a more unified and productive future, the APC’s performance has been greatly influenced by his leadership quality.

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With tenacity and enthusiasm, Ganduje has embraced the duties of his new role as APC National Chairman. Bringing the party together and strengthening its structures at the grassroots and national levels were his main priorities.

He started by taking significant steps to guarantee the proper functioning of the APC’s internal procedures, which had previously been tainted by disputes and confrontations amongst party sections.

The high point of Ganduje’s leadership has been his strong desire to establish a Think Tank for research and training of party members. This is a rare feat and unprecedented. The setting up of The Progressive Institute, TPI, an intellectual resource center of the ruling party has been adjudged as the best legacy a real progressive leader can deliver to his people which Dr. Ganduje has given priority to since 2024.

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In relations to this, the party’s chairman okays the proposed national conference on skills acquisition and youth empowerment, developed by the management of TPI, in his recent visit to the office in Abuja.

The ruling party did not only operate in a transparent and inclusive atmosphere where all party members have a chance to speak their opinions and advance the APC but also a movement that has attracted more decampees from other parties.

Everyone can testify his unwavering effort of introducing new members, where four Labour Party (LP) Representatives from the green chamber joined APC, so also from People Democratic Party (PDP) respectively.

Aside, the party has focused on strengthening its state chapters, ensuring that every region of Nigeria has an active and organized APC structure.

Dr. Ganduje has been instrumental in ensuring that the party operates efficiently at all levels, from the national hierarchy down to local chapters. This has involved engaging with party leaders across the country, ensuring that the APC remains responsive to the needs of its members and the electorate at large.

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The APC National Convention, which was successfully organized in November 2023, was a significant highlight of Ganduje’s leadership. The convention, which brought together thousands of delegates from all over Nigeria, party officials, and other stakeholders, was a pivotal event for the party. It was held in Abuja. APC members used the convention as a forum to choose new leaders, talk about the same direction of the party’s policies, and restate the party’s dedication to the Nigerian people.

A tribute to Ganduje’s organizational prowess and capacity to handle the intricacies of such a major event, the convention ran smoothly and flawlessly. His leadership was further cemented at that time, proving that he could bring the party together and guide the APC through a time of change.

In addition to internal elections, the convention under Ganduje’s direction demonstrated the party’s democratic procedures, openness, and dedication to party unity.

Ganduje has put up a lot of effort to resolve these problems, stressing the value of communication and compromise.

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Several long-standing disputes inside the party have been resolved as a result of his efforts.

By motivating party members to concentrate on shared objectives rather than personal aspirations, Ganduje’s leadership has played a significant role in mending divisions across groups. As a result, there is now greater harmony within the party, which allows the APC to show unity.

Furthermore, Ganduje has remained focused on promoting the APC’s ideology and advancing its manifesto. The APC’s agenda, which emphasizes economic growth, infrastructure development, security, and social welfare, has been a central theme of Ganduje’s leadership. He has consistently advocated for policies that promote good governance, job creation, and poverty reduction, ensuring that the party’s promises to Nigerians are fulfilled.

As APC National Chairman, Dr. Ganduje has collaborated extensively with state and national leaders to guarantee the successful execution of the party’s programs. His pragmatic style to government, which emphasizes the necessity of efficient service delivery and accountability, has been a defining feature of his administration.

In addition, the gentleman has initiated a move to de-marginalize Igbos to place them in the limelight of national politics. He assured them that the party had decided to break the vicious cycle of marginalization.

Additionally, Ganduje has tried to make sure the party continues to be receptive to the issues that the Nigerian people are concerned about, especially when it comes to infrastructural development, healthcare and education.

Apart from fortifying the party’s internal framework, Ganduje has played a crucial role in broadening the APC’s support. People who are dedicated to the APC’s principles and future vision for Nigeria have joined under his leadership, even though they come from a wide range of political backgrounds.

Through his outreach initiatives, Ganduje has been able to increase the party’s presence in previously underserved areas, making it a more inclusive and diverse political force.

In a short span, Ganduje has showcased exceptional leadership, deft political maneuvering, and an unyielding commitment to consolidating the APC’s dominance.

Under Ganduje’s leadership, the APC has recorded a string of impressive victories. The five off-cycle elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi, Edo, and Ondo states tested the party’s strength and strategy.

Remarkably, the APC emerged victorious in four of these contests, reinforcing its status as a dominant national party.

To digress slightly at this juncture, APC candidate in Ondo state gubernatorial election, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, delivered a landslide victory. He secured 366,781 votes, decisively defeating Ajayi Agboola of the PDP, who managed only 117,845 votes. Aiyedatiwa’s win cemented the APC’s stronghold in the state.

The situation is similar in Edo despite initial predictions favoring the PDP, the APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo, defied the odds. He triumphed over Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, challenging the influence of Governor Godwin Obaseki and marking a significant victory in a traditionally PDP-leaning state.

Likewise, in Kogi state APC continued its winning streak with Governor Usman Ododo securing an overwhelming 446,237 votes. He left his closest rival, Murtala Yakubu of the SDP, far behind with 259,052 votes, while Senator Dino Melaye of the PDP lagged with just 46,362 votes.

Additionally, in Imo state Governor Hope Uzodinma of the APC swept all 27 local government areas. He garnered an impressive 540,308 votes, leaving PDP’s Samuel Anyanwu and Labour Party’s Athan Achonu trailing with 71,503 and 64,081 votes, respectively.

This is a clear indication that APC’s influence has grown significantly as a result of Ganduje’s attempts to forge connections with different political parties, ethnic and interest groups. His capacity to interact with many groups, hear their issues, and integrate their interests into the party’s program has helped the APC’s base of support expand.

The APC is now more powerful and well-known in Nigerian politics as a result of his emphasis on unity, transparency, and responsible leadership.

As APC National Chairman, Ganduje has not only restored the party’s internal conflict but also ensured that the APC is prepared to pursue its goals in the future.

In summary, the APC has undergone a sea change since Ganduje was appointed as its national chairman. The APC has been able to fortify its structures and settle internal disputes under his leadership. An essential player in Nigerian politics, Ganduje’s leadership style is marked by pragmatism, inclusion, and a dedication to effective governance.

His accomplishments as National Chairman bear witness to his foresight, commitment, and capacity to guide the APC to unprecedented heights.

Umar Idris Shuaibu writes from Kano and can be contacted via shuaibuumaridris@gmail.com, 08066616097