North Central APC Forum Rejects Ganduje’s Dissolution of Benue State Executives

The North Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has vehemently rejected the recent dissolution of the Benue State party executives by the National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

The Forum, expressing its strong disapproval, has labelled the action as unjustified and unacceptable, raising concerns over the legitimacy and motives behind this decision.

Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, the Chairman of the North Central APC Forum, addressed journalists on Saturday in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

During his address, Zazzaga, who also served as a member of the Presidential Campaign Council in the last general election, criticised Ganduje’s decision, arguing that it lacked a legitimate basis and seemed to be rooted in personal and regional biases rather than the interests of the party.

Zazzaga emphasised that the Benue State executives, whom Ganduje has sought to dissolve, were instrumental in the APC’s success in the state, contributing significantly to the party’s victory in both the governorship and other key elections.

“These are the same executive members who worked tirelessly alongside us to secure crucial victories for the APC in Benue State,” Zazzaga stated. “It is therefore perplexing and unacceptable that Ganduje would now seek to dissolve this very team without a clear and legitimate reason.”

The North Central region, which has consistently opposed Ganduje’s leadership of the APC, has found this move particularly troubling.

Zazzaga reiterated the region’s long-standing stance that the national chairmanship of the party should have remained within the North Central, especially following the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu, the former chairman.

Instead, Ganduje, hailing from the North West state of Kano, was appointed, a decision that has continued to stir discontent within the North Central APC.

Further exacerbating the situation is the fact that a High Court in Makurdi, Benue State, had issued a restraining order against Ganduje, preventing him from dissolving the state executive led by Augustine Agada.

Despite this court order, Ganduje proceeded with the dissolution, an action that Zazzaga condemned as contempt of court. “Ganduje’s disregard for the rule of law is alarming,” Zazzaga remarked.

“His actions are not only illegal but are also incurring significant legal liabilities for our party, particularly in light of ongoing court cases against him, including those related to his tenure as Kano State Governor.”

The Forum’s chairman warned that the dissolution of the Benue executives is a direct affront to the North Central APC, and if left unchallenged, could lead to further divisions within the party.

He urged the party’s national leadership to reconsider and reverse the decision, emphasising that the North Central APC would not accept such a unilateral move without taking decisive action in response.

“We will not stand by and watch as Ganduje attempts to undermine the efforts and contributions of the North Central region to the APC’s success,” Zazzaga asserted. “If this decision is not reversed, we are prepared to take further action to protect the integrity of our party.”

Zazzaga also expressed concern over the broader implications of Ganduje’s actions on the future of the APC.

He cautioned that if Ganduje’s leadership style continues unchecked, it could lead to the eventual destruction of the party. “Ganduje is on a path that could irreparably damage the APC,” Zazzaga warned.

“If he is not stopped, the party risks losing the unity and cohesion that have been key to its success.”

Highlighting the significant contributions of the North Central region to the APC’s achievements since 2015, Zazzaga pointed out that the region played a crucial role in the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections.

Additionally, the APC secured five out of the six governorship seats in the region, further underscoring the importance of maintaining strong and effective leadership within the North Central.

As tensions continue to rise within the APC, the response of the party’s national leadership to the North Central Forum’s demands will be critical.

The resolution of this internal conflict will likely have a lasting impact on the party’s future, particularly as it seeks to maintain its dominance in the Nigerian political landscape.

In conclusion, the North Central APC Forum’s rejection of Ganduje’s dissolution of the Benue State executives represents a significant challenge to the current national leadership of the party.

The outcome of this confrontation will not only affect the immediate political dynamics within the APC but also has the potential to shape the party’s trajectory in the coming years.