North Central APC Forum Criticises Governor Sule’s Endorsement of Ganduje as Party Chairman

The North Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has expressed strong disapproval over the endorsement of Abdullahi Ganduje as the party’s national chairman by Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, who also serves as the Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum.

The forum accused Governor Sule of prioritising personal interests over the collective good of the North Central region, the APC, and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Saleh Zazzaga, Chairman of the North Central APC Forum, voiced these concerns during a press briefing in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday.

He criticised Governor Sule’s recent visit to the APC secretariat in Abuja, where Sule pledged his support for Ganduje.

According to Zazzaga, this endorsement comes at a time when party stakeholders from the North Central are advocating for the return of the National Chairmanship to their region following the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu, who hails from Nasarawa State.

Zazzaga described Governor Sule’s actions as “insensitive, mischievous, and a betrayal of the North Central region.”

He stressed that the party’s zoning arrangements had previously designated the national chairmanship for the North Central, and Governor Sule’s endorsement of Ganduje undermines this understanding.

“For Governor Sule to openly betray his own state and the entire region shows that he is not committed to the progress of the North Central, nor is he a champion of equity and justice,” Zazzaga stated.

The forum’s chairman also noted Governor Sule’s previous lack of support for President Tinubu, alleging that Sule initially opposed Tinubu’s emergence as the APC presidential candidate due to his own ambitions of securing the vice-presidential slot under a different candidate. Zazzaga claimed that Governor Sule’s actions demonstrate a pattern of disloyalty and a disregard for the collective interests of the APC at both the national and regional levels.

“Governor Sule has consistently acted in ways that contradict the progressive ideology of the APC,” Zazzaga remarked. “He is not a founding member of the party and appears disconnected from its core values.

His actions often run counter to the positions of party stakeholders, leaders, and members who have worked tirelessly to uphold the party’s ideals.”

Zazzaga also criticised Governor Sule’s leadership in Nasarawa State, highlighting the party’s lacklustre performance in the 2023 elections under his stewardship.

He pointed to the APC’s struggles in securing legislative seats in the state and suggested that if not for judicial interventions, Governor Sule might not have retained his position.

“The APC in Nasarawa did not perform satisfactorily in the last elections, and this can be attributed to Governor Sule’s ineffective leadership,” Zazzaga asserted.

“Moreover, there have been numerous complaints about his governance style, which many view unfavourably.”

The forum chairman went further to question the developmental strides in Nasarawa State under Sule’s administration, especially in light of increased federal allocations.

He argued that despite the available resources, the state has little to show for it under Governor Sule’s leadership.

“What tangible progress has Nasarawa State made under Governor Sule with the increased allocations? His record does not reflect a commitment to the development of the state or the party,” Zazzaga argued.

Zazzaga called on other North Central governors to distance themselves from Governor Sule’s endorsement of Ganduje, urging them to reject actions driven by personal interest rather than the collective good of the region.

He also criticised Ganduje’s leadership, citing legal issues and controversies that have plagued his tenure as national chairman, which he argued could pose further risks to the party.

“Ganduje’s leadership has already led to legal challenges and discontent within the party, making his position precarious.

His role in overseeing the selection of APC flag bearers for the Edo and Ondo elections could also lead to future legal complications, given the ongoing disputes about his legitimacy as national chairman,” Zazzaga warned.

The North Central APC Forum’s stance underscores the broader discontent within the party regarding leadership decisions and regional representation.

As the APC navigates these internal conflicts, the forum’s critique of Governor Sule’s actions reflects a broader call for adherence to party zoning agreements and a focus on collective rather than individual interests.