The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has renewed its push for the party’s National Chairmanship to return to the region, citing fairness and equity.
This follows the unexpected resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as APC National Chairman on Friday.
In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday, Forum Chairman Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga called on President Bola Tinubu and other party stakeholders to support a North-Central candidate for the vacant position.
“It is on record that the North-Central APC Forum has long advocated for the party to honour the principles of the existing zoning arrangement, which allocated the position of National Chairman to the North-Central.”
“We have argued that the region should be allowed to complete the tenure of former National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, even going to court to press our case,” the statement said.
The Forum acknowledged suspending its earlier agitation after Ganduje’s ratification, citing the positive impact of his leadership on party growth.
“However, after the ratification of Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje’s appointment as National Chairman by the NEC in the overall interest of the party, we decided to suspend our agitation.”
“This decision was influenced by the progress we observed in the party under Ganduje’s leadership, demonstrated by high-profile defections to the APC, including governors and members of the National Assembly.”
The statement also credited Ganduje with steering the party toward stability and growth.
“During Ganduje’s tenure as National Chairman, several governors, including those from Delta and Akwa Ibom states, defected to the APC.”
“Additionally, numerous senators and members of the House of Representatives joined the party. High-profile opposition politicians also defected during his leadership.”
“Now that Ganduje has decided to step aside, it is only fair and just for the party to finally allow the North-Central to produce the National Chairman, ensuring fairness, justice, and equity.”
The Forum urged President Tinubu to direct the Acting National Chairman, Ali Dalori, to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting without delay, to facilitate the selection of a substantive chairman from the North-Central.
“We appeal to President Bola Tinubu, whom we regard as a listening President, and other party stakeholders to support the emergence of a National Chairman from the North-Central.”
“We also urge the Acting National Chairman to promptly convene an NEC meeting to elect a substantive National Chairman from the region.”
“Ganduje’s resignation, though unfortunate, presents the party with a golden opportunity to address the injustices faced by the North-Central,” the Forum said.
Backing their call with electoral statistics, the Forum noted that the region gave APC the third-highest vote tally in the 2023 presidential election.
“The North-Central has demonstrated its electoral value. It gave President Tinubu and the APC the third-highest number of votes in the 2023 presidential election, trailing only the South-West and North-West.”
Tinubu secured 1,760,993 votes (41.3%) in the region, followed by Labour Party’s Peter Obi with 1,415,557 (33.2%), and PDP’s Atiku Abubakar with 1,025,178 (24.1%).
Additionally, the Forum emphasized that the region has the highest number of APC governors nationwide.
Five of the six North-Central states—Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and Niger—are governed by the APC. Plateau remains under PDP control, although the Forum noted there are ongoing efforts to woo Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the ruling party.
In conclusion, the Forum stressed that the region has competent leaders who can guide the APC into a strong position ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We are not demanding the position of National Chairman as a mere entitlement. The North-Central has capable leaders who can ensure the APC’s success in the 2027 elections.”
“Allowing the region to produce the National Chairman will not only rectify past injustices but also ensure that the party continues on its path of progress and strength. We urge party stakeholders to act promptly and decisively to ensure fairness,” the statement added.
