The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has called for a bailout to clear the party’s N8.9 billion election debt.
Speaking at the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Ganduje revealed that the party’s accounts had been garnisheed due to legal expenses incurred in defending President Bola Tinubu, APC governors, and legislators in court against opposition challenges.
The meeting had in attendance key figures like President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. However, notable absentees included former President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Ganduje explained that the legal expenses covered pre-election matters, election tribunal cases, and appeals. He commended the efforts of the party’s National Legal Adviser, Prof. Abdul Kareem Kana (SAN), in negotiating to reduce the debt burden but urged the NEC to intervene.
Push for New APC Secretariat
The APC chairman also appealed to Tinubu to assist in securing land in Abuja for a new party secretariat, stating that the current structure was outdated and unbefitting of a ruling party.
He added that the new complex would house the party’s officers, The Progressives Institute, and the party’s three wings.
Tinubu Receives Vote of Confidence
During the meeting, the NEC passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu, praising his leadership and economic reforms. The motion was seconded by former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who highlighted the President’s reforms as already yielding positive results.
In response, Tinubu thanked the party for its support and assured that his administration would sustain progressive changes. He acknowledged economic challenges but stated that the government was working tirelessly to stabilize the country.
State-Level Party Crisis and Reconciliation Efforts
The President directed the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to form reconciliation teams to address growing crises in various state chapters ahead of the 2027 elections. He specifically mentioned issues in Kano, Benue, Lagos, and other states, urging party leaders to remain calm and collaborative.
In Lagos, for example, a leadership tussle within the State House of Assembly led to the impeachment of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The crisis has drawn intervention from APC bigwigs like Chief Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to stabilizing the party and fostering unity among its members.
APC Spokesman Slams El-Rufai
Speaking on the absence of some key party members, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed concerns, stating that it was impossible to achieve full attendance at such meetings.
However, he criticized former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, for his recent public attacks on the party. According to Morka, grievances should be handled internally rather than through public outbursts.
“Men who are respected must continue to justify that respect,” he stated, warning that if El-Rufai continued to criticize the party openly, he should expect a response.
Morka also highlighted the increasing number of defectors from opposition parties into the APC as proof of the ruling party’s growing strength.
Despite ongoing challenges, the APC leadership remains confident in its ability to maintain dominance ahead of the next general elections.
