At the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday, National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje appealed for a bailout to address the party’s N8.9bn election-related debts. The debts stem from various legal battles related to challenges filed by opposition parties regarding the elections of President Bola Tinubu, APC governors, and legislators.
Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, revealed that the APC’s accounts had been garnisheed due to the outstanding debt, which covers pre-election matters, election cases, and appeals in various elections. He emphasized that the party’s National Legal Adviser, Abdul Kareem Kana (SAN), had been working to reduce the debt through dialogue and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
He passionately requested that the NEC intervene to alleviate the financial burden, urging the leadership to help resolve the financial situation. Additionally, Ganduje asked President Tinubu to assist in securing a plot of land from the Federal Capital Territory Administration for a new APC national secretariat, noting that the current facility is outdated and unsuitable for the ruling party.
During the meeting, which included key figures like President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Goodwill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Ganduje provided updates on efforts to reconcile aggrieved party members. The APC leadership has undertaken a reconciliation process, which has shown positive results.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the vote of confidence from the NEC and reaffirmed his commitment to working for the nation’s prosperity. He also called for the creation of reconciliatory committees to address conflicts in state chapters, as some internal issues persist, particularly in Kano, Benue, Lagos, and other states. The President emphasized his determination to stabilize the APC and ensure its growth in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
While some party heavyweights, including former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, were absent from the meeting, APC spokesperson Felix Morka downplayed the significance of their absence. He stated that all members were invited, and the party’s activities were sufficiently represented.
The NEC also ratified the party’s leadership in the North-West, aimed at quelling criticisms from anti-Ganduje factions calling for a return of the chairmanship to the North-Central region. Despite internal divisions, the party continues to work toward strengthening its position and addressing any leadership challenges.
In a direct response to criticisms from former governor Nasir El-Rufai, Morka advised party leaders to keep grievances within the party and avoid airing them publicly. He stressed that such public confrontations detract from the party’s unity and progress.
