APC Confident of Victory in Upcoming Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections, Says Ganduje

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has expressed strong confidence in the party’s chances of winning the upcoming Edo State governorship election scheduled for 21st September.

Ganduje made this assertion on Thursday in Kano while hosting the leadership of the State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by its Chairman, Aminu Garko.

During the meeting, Ganduje highlighted the robust political strategies that the APC has deployed in Edo State, asserting that these efforts are designed to secure a decisive victory for the party’s candidate.

He emphasised that the party’s campaign machinery is operating at full capacity, driven by high morale and a clear objective to reclaim Edo State from the opposition.

Ganduje noted, “Edo was originally an APC state, but internal issues within the party led to a temporary loss to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). We are fully prepared to bring Edo back into the APC fold.”

Ganduje’s optimism extends beyond Edo State, as he also addressed the upcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State, which is set for November.

According to him, Ondo is already an APC stronghold, and the party is focused on resolving lingering issues from the tenure of the late governor to ensure continued stability and success.

He reiterated that the APC is ready and well-prepared for the Ondo election, highlighting the importance of maintaining their hold on the state.

“If we win in Edo, we will increase our tally to 21 states under APC governance out of the 36 states in the federation,” Ganduje stated.

He underscored the strategic significance of winning Edo, as it would bolster the party’s influence and governance footprint across Nigeria.

Furthermore, Ganduje pointed out that the APC is not only focused on the immediate elections but is also laying the groundwork for future electoral battles, including the governorship election in Anambra State, a region traditionally dominated by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Ganduje explained that the APC has introduced new strategies aimed at penetrating strongholds traditionally controlled by opposition parties.

He stated, “Anambra has been governed by APGA for many years, but we have a new plan that we believe will resonate with the electorate.”

He highlighted the party’s broader ambition to expand its influence in the South-East geopolitical zone, an area where both the North and South-East political groups have long claimed marginalisation.

Addressing the issue of marginalisation, Ganduje argued that the perceived exclusion is largely self-inflicted due to the political choices made by these regions.

He stated, “Both the North and the South-East claim to have been marginalised, but the truth is that much of this marginalisation is a result of their own political decisions.”

Ganduje’s comments suggest that the APC’s strategy involves not only electoral victories but also efforts to address and integrate these grievances within its broader national agenda.

Ganduje’s remarks come at a critical time for the APC as the party seeks to consolidate its power across various states in Nigeria.

With the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States fast approaching, the APC leadership is mobilising its resources and political influence to secure victories that would strengthen its position ahead of the 2025 general elections.

The party’s approach in Edo and Ondo will likely serve as a litmus test for its broader electoral strategy, particularly in regions where it faces significant opposition.

The APC’s focus on reclaiming Edo and maintaining Ondo underscores the party’s commitment to expanding its governance and addressing internal challenges that have previously led to electoral setbacks.

As Ganduje and the APC leadership continue to fine-tune their strategies, the upcoming elections will be closely watched as indicators of the party’s ability to navigate Nigeria’s complex political landscape and achieve its broader ambitions.

The success of the APC in these elections could significantly alter the political dynamics in Nigeria, potentially setting the stage for more aggressive electoral campaigns in traditionally opposition-dominated regions.

With Ganduje at the helm, the APC is projecting an image of resilience and readiness, determined to overcome past challenges and secure a stronger foothold in the nation’s governance.