The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum has declared an end to its agitations over party leadership following the National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting held at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday.
The NEC ratified the zoning of the national chairmanship position to the North-West, solidifying the tenure of Abdullahi Ganduje, who hails from Kano State. This decision formally ends the push by North-Central members seeking to reclaim the position after Abdullahi Adamu, a former governor of Nasarawa State, was removed before completing his term.
Before the NEC meeting, the North-Central APC Forum had gone to court to challenge Ganduje’s appointment and push for the chairmanship to return to their zone. However, the forum suspended legal action on October 16, 2024, pending the NEC’s decision.
With the NEC’s resolution, the forum announced its acceptance of the outcome and pledged to work with the party’s leadership.
In a statement on Thursday, the forum’s chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, emphasized their commitment to supporting the APC’s leadership and promoting unity within the party.
“As loyal party members, we agree with all the decisions taken at the NEC meeting. We endorse the vote of confidence passed on President Bola Tinubu and the national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje,” the statement read.
The forum urged all party members to rally behind President Tinubu, Ganduje, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, as the party’s leader in the North-Central zone.
“We recognize Senator Akume as our father in the North-Central. Having decided to stop all agitations, there is nothing left than to unite ourselves in the interest of the zone and give massive support to President Bola Tinubu in all his policies and future elections,” Zazzaga stated.
President Tinubu, during the NEC meeting, charged the Ganduje-led APC National Working Committee (NWC) to prioritize reconciliation efforts within the party.
The North-Central APC Forum echoed this sentiment, urging the Benue State Government under Governor Hyacinth Alia to work harmoniously with Senator Akume for the zone’s progress.
“We also pray for wisdom for the national chairman to carry everyone along and reconcile all aggrieved members,” the statement concluded.
The forum’s endorsement of the NEC’s decision signals a move toward internal stability as the APC prepares for future political engagements.