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Tag: Abdullahi Ganduje

  • **APC National Chairman Ganduje Endorses Dennis Idahosa as Edo Guber Flagbearer Amidst Controversies**

    **APC National Chairman Ganduje Endorses Dennis Idahosa as Edo Guber Flagbearer Amidst Controversies**

    By Daniel Edu

    Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has reportedly thrown his weight behind Dennis Idahosa as the APC’s flagbearer for the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 2024. The endorsement comes amidst confusion and disputes surrounding the primary election held last weekend. While Idahosa was initially declared the winner, another candidate, Anamero Sunday Dekeri, was also declared the victor by local government returning officers. The situation has led to a three-way contest with Idahosa, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Dekeri all claiming victory. Despite the controversies, Ganduje congratulated Idahosa and urged other aspirants to support the declared winner. However, Okpebholo and the APC Stakeholders Forum have rejected Idahosa’s victory, criticizing the process and calling for the endorsement of Dekeri as the rightful winner.

  • Ganduje Clarifies Purpose of Visit to Buhari in Katsina

    Ganduje Clarifies Purpose of Visit to Buhari in Katsina

    By Daniel Edu

    Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has shed light on the motives behind his recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Katsina State.

    Ganduje led a delegation to Daura, the hometown of the former president, on Monday, and he has now clarified the purpose of this visit through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu.

    The APC leader explained that the primary objective of the visit was to formally introduce the newly appointed National Working Committee of the party to the former president. Additionally, he wanted to convey solidarity and celebrate Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary with him.

    Ganduje stated, “It is mainly to introduce the newly constituted National Working Committee of our great party. And also to show to him our solidarity and to thank him for what he has done for the country in eight years. To also congratulate him on the Independence Day celebration, 63 years of development for Nigeria for which eight years must be a portion for his administration. That is why we are here in Daura at his residence, and we thank him for receiving us.”

    Furthermore, he expressed his satisfaction with the recent victories of the APC in some tribunal judgments. He emphasized the importance of these successes but also noted that the party had upcoming elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo, expressing confidence in winning those as well.

  • “Former Aide Blames Indiscriminate Demolition for NNPP Candidate’s Election Tribunal Loss in Kano”

    “Former Aide Blames Indiscriminate Demolition for NNPP Candidate’s Election Tribunal Loss in Kano”

    By Daniel Edu

    Former media aide to ex-governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, Salihu Tanko Yakasai, has attributed the loss of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) governorship candidate, Abba Yusuf, at the election tribunal to the “reckless and indiscriminate demolition he ordered in the state.”

    In a significant development, the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Kano declared Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Kano governorship election, following the cancellation of some votes recorded by NNPP candidate, Yusuf. The Presiding Judge, Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadabey, explained that the margin of votes secured by NNPP was insufficient to secure victory for Governor Yusuf.

    Yakasai, commenting on this outcome, expressed his belief that Abba Kabir Yusuf’s decision to initiate reckless and indiscriminate demolition activities had a detrimental impact on his standing with the people. Via his social media account, Yakasai stated, “The day Abba Kabir Yusuf began that reckless and indiscriminate demolition was the day he lost Kano. The one thing they had going into the elections was the support of Kano metropolitan area, that demolition erased that goodwill completely, and that’s the day he lost Kano.”

  • Ganduje and APC Leaders Converge in Imo to Inaugurate Campaign Council

    Ganduje and APC Leaders Converge in Imo to Inaugurate Campaign Council

    By Daniel Edu

    The national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, is set to inaugurate the party’s national gubernatorial campaign council in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, on Saturday. This event is in preparation for the upcoming governorship election in the state, scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for November 11, 2023. Other states holding elections on the same date include Bayelsa and Kogi.

    The inauguration of the campaign council will take place at the Landmark Event Centre, Owerri, at 11 a.m., as announced by the APC National Organizing Secretary, Alhajj Sulaiman Muhammad Arugungu. Later in the day, a post-inauguration dinner will be held for the National Chairman, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and campaign council members.

    The inauguration activities will conclude on Sunday with a Church service at the Government House Chapel in Owerri.

    Incumbent Governor Hope Uzordimma is seeking his second term mandate in the state’s governorship election, running on the APC platform.

    The 609-member campaign council will be led by Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, with co-chairpersons including Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Minister of State for Labour Uche Nnaji, and Minister of Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

    The council comprises members of the APC’s administrative organ, the National Working Committee (NWC), as well as notable figures like Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, former Imo and Abia State Governors Senator Rochas Okorocha and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. Other members include Minister of Women Affairs Barr. Uju Kennedy, Senator Andy Uba, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, Deputy National Treasurer Hon. Omorede Osifo-Marshal, Hon. Julie Okangbe, former Inspector General of Police Mike Okiro, Senator Joy Mordi, Senator Uche Ekwunife, General Azubuike Ihejirika, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Hon. Paul Ikonne, among others.

  • Kano Expresses Concern Over N1.2 Billion Debt from Previous Administration’s Medic Suppliers

    Kano Expresses Concern Over N1.2 Billion Debt from Previous Administration’s Medic Suppliers

    By  Milcah  Tanimu

    Kano State Government has expressed deep concern over the inadequate supply of medication and related consumables in state-owned hospitals, attributing the issue to a significant outstanding debt inherited from the previous administration led by Abdullahi Ganduje.

    Dr. Abubakar Yusuf, the Commissioner for Health in the state, revealed that the past government left a substantial debt of N1.2 billion owed to various pharmaceutical suppliers through the state’s Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA).

    During a meeting with medical suppliers, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, who now heads DMCSA, lamented the challenging situation he inherited, including the agency’s financial woes and the state of the healthcare system left behind by the previous administration.

    Dr. Yusuf explained the objectives of the meeting, stating, “The objectives of this meeting are to establish strategies to address the challenge of the significant outstanding payments to suppliers and to find a way forward to ensure a sustainable supply of commodities to the agency for the benefit of the people of Kano state. Notably among the challenges is the huge outstanding which stood at about N1.2 billion.”

    He outlined the steps taken to mitigate these challenges, including establishing a baseline for DMCSA operations and ensuring prompt payments for all procurements carried out after determining the actual fund value of the agency.

    The Commissioner sought the support and cooperation of suppliers with outstanding payments, requesting that they accept a time frame for settling the outstanding amount in installments. He also directed the drug agency to conduct a thorough reconciliation to determine actual supplies and monthly payments.

    Pharmacist Gali Sule, the new head of DMCSA, lamented the poor state of pharmaceutical services in state-owned facilities due to the lack of quality drug and consumable supply. He assured medical suppliers of the state government’s commitment to adhere to the agreed payment modalities.

    Speaking on behalf of the drug suppliers, Ben Ochigbo of Trusted Pharmacy Ltd expressed appreciation for the support of the State Government and the Ministry of Health in advancing the DMCSA. He reaffirmed the suppliers’ readiness to maintain a cooperative business relationship with DMCSA to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality products at affordable prices.

  • Kwankwaso’s Faction Retorts to Ganduje’s Remark on FCT Ministerial Omission

    Kwankwaso’s Faction Retorts to Ganduje’s Remark on FCT Ministerial Omission

    By Daniel Edu

    The faction aligned with Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has strongly criticized Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for his recent statements.

    Ganduje had taken a jibe at Kwankwaso over his exclusion as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), suggesting that President Bola Tinubu had astutely recognized Kwankwaso’s excessive eagerness.

    Ganduje asserted that Kwankwaso lent his support to the contentious demolition of structures approved by his own administration in Kano, ostensibly in the name of refining Kano’s urban blueprint.

    Speaking in Hausa, the former Kano governor made these remarks on Monday while hosting a delegation of his adherents and party advocates from Kano State, who paid him a courtesy visit at the national headquarters of the party in Abuja.

    In response, Ladipo Johnson, the spokesperson for the NNPP Presidential Campaign Council, conveyed to The Punch that Ganduje’s comments are an attempt to assert his relevance.

    Johnson contended that Kwankwaso would not invest energy in responding to Ganduje, as he holds no meaningful significance.

    Johnson stated, “Is there still an audience for Ganduje’s utterances? Holding the position of APC national chairman doesn’t automatically equate to rational thinking. That’s my succinct response.

    “We won’t squander our time on someone who holds no sway, regardless of the illusions fostered by the APC. It’s that straightforward.”

  • APC NWC Delays Name Approval as Ganduje Seeks NEC Endorsement for Kyari, Lukman Replacements

    APC NWC Delays Name Approval as Ganduje Seeks NEC Endorsement for Kyari, Lukman Replacements

    By Daniel Edu

    The All Progressives Congress National Working Committee (APC-NWC) under the leadership of Abdullahi Ganduje is initiating efforts to secure the party’s National Executive Committee’s endorsement to formalize the selection of new officials within the NWC.

    Sources reveal that the party’s leadership has received the roster of nominations from state-level party chapters, aligning with the mandate given to the NWC during the recent NEC assembly held at Transcorp Hilton in Abuja last week.

    Recent developments have seen Saliu Lukman, the APC Vice Chairman (Northwest), and Ahmad El-Marzup, the Legal Adviser, stepping down from their roles. In addition, Senator Abubakar Kyari and Dr. Beta Edu, both NWC members, have been nominated as ministers by President Bola Tinubu, while another member sadly passed away.

    The prospective new officers, awaiting endorsement by the National Executive Committee (NEC), include former Cross River State Commissioner for Local Government, Dr. Stella Odey-Ekpo (Women Leader); Ali Dalori, Borno State APC Chairman (Deputy National Chairman, North); Prof. Abdulkarim Kana, former Nasarawa State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice (Legal Adviser); Martins Azubuike, former Abia State House of Assembly Speaker (Welfare Officer); and Yahaya Ismail, ex-Special Adviser on Water Resources to Kogi State Governor (Deputy National Publicity Secretary).

    The move to appoint these individuals aligns with the directive issued by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

    “Although the official replacement for Lukman’s position hasn’t been formally communicated, we’ve been informed that Commodore Emmanual Jekada (retd.), the APC Chairman of Kaduna, is being considered as the favored choice for the upcoming National Vice Chairman for the North-West region.”

    “The suggested names are preliminary, and there’s flexibility in the process. As of now, these names are pending the endorsement of the NWC and haven’t been presented to the NEC as a collective body.”

    The possibility of holding a mini-convention was also dismissed, and it was emphasized that the new officials would be formally inaugurated once the NEC grants approval.

  • 72-Hour Deadline Given to Kano Governor to Cease Demolitions

    72-Hour Deadline Given to Kano Governor to Cease Demolitions

    The Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative has issued a stern ultimatum to Kano Governor, Abba Yusuf, demanding an end to the ongoing demolitions within 72 hours. Failure to comply with this demand will result in legal action against the governor, as stated by the coalition during a press conference held in Abuja. The group also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent further destruction of investments in the state.

    The call for action comes in response to the recent marking of hundreds of houses for demolition by the state task force on mass demolition, operating under the Urban Protection and Development Authority. The coalition decried these actions as unlawful and inhumane, warning that if left unchecked, they could escalate into a full-blown crisis.

    Okpokwu Ogenyi, the National Coordinator of CGGI, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the unrest in Kano had the potential to affect the entire country. Ogenyi called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to swiftly intervene and urge Governor Abba Yusuf to halt the illegal demolition of property, which has already resulted in the loss of lives in the state.

    The coalition further demanded that Governor Yusuf retract his orders, provide proper compensation to the affected individuals and groups, and put an end to the ongoing demolitions. Failure to comply with these demands within the stipulated 72-hour timeframe would result in legal consequences, according to Ogenyi.

    The property demolitions orchestrated by the new governor of Kano State have faced criticism and scrutiny. One casualty has been reported, while three others were hospitalized due to a collapsed building wreckage during the demolitions. However, the coalition contested this figure, asserting that their investigative team on the ground recorded around 20 casualties.

    Ogenyi noted that the actions of Governor Yusuf were not surprising, as similar precedents had been set in Imo and Niger states. He expressed concern over the destruction of legacies from previous administrations, driven by personal animosity or fear of popularity. Ogenyi called the situation a “show of shame” and criticized the governor for his inhuman actions against the people of Kano State.

    The coalition also expressed disappointment in the silence of Governor Yusuf’s political mentor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, who is also the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian People’s Party. They questioned why a governor who had only been in office for three weeks was so focused on demolishing structures to spite his predecessor. The coalition called on Kwankwaso to condemn the ongoing demolitions if he was not involved in the plot and urged him to join other prominent figures in denouncing the destructive actions.

    The coalition further raised questions about the legality of plot allocations during the previous administration and suggested holding former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje accountable if any irregularities were found. They highlighted the plight of individuals who had invested their loans in Kano, only to face devastating losses due to the demolitions, questioning how they would recover from this dire situation.

  • Why I Would Have Slapped Kwankwaso If We Met At Aso Villa – Ganduje

    Why I Would Have Slapped Kwankwaso If We Met At Aso Villa – Ganduje

    The immediate past governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has threatened to deal with his predecessor in office and the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, if he meets him at the State House.

    Ganduje, who also served as Kwankwaso’s deputy when he was governor, issued the threat after meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Friday where he apprised him of the damage allegedly done by the government led by Kwankwaso’s party barely two weeks it assumed office.

    “I know he (Kwankwaso) is in the building but we have not met. Probably if we met, maybe I could have slapped him,” Ganduje said while addressing State House correspondents.

    The former governor stated that less than 72 hours after the inauguration of Governor Abba Yusuf on May 29, four properties erected based on a public private partnership arrangement were demolished by the government.

    Ganduje, who expressed disappointment over the ill-motivated moves by the current administration, which can hamper proper development in the state, said that he has also briefed the Inspector General of Police.

    While declining to disclose the President’s response on the matter, Ganduje disclosed that inside information have it that even the governor is unhappy with the level of destruction, that has infuriated a lot of residents, as some of their members have been affected.

    Meanwhile, Kwankwaso, who preceded Ganduje as the governor of the state, is still in a meeting with the President.

    The President has in the last one week met no less than twice with the immediate past Governor of Kano state.

  • NNPP Accuses Ganduje of Sabotaging Transition Process

    NNPP Accuses Ganduje of Sabotaging Transition Process

    The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has accused Kano Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s administration of undermining the transition process to the incoming administration of Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf.

    Chairman, NNPP transition Committee, Prof. Abdullahi Baffa Bich stated this in a press statement on Friday.

    He accused Ganduje’s administration of showing outright resistance and lack of cooperation with the NNPP Gubernatorial transition committee.

    According to him, “since after the 33-man transition sub-committee was constituted by NNPP, none of the committees received cooperation from the Ganduje administration.

    “There were several attempts by the committee to schedule a joint meeting with the outgoing government’s transition committee, but the Ganduje administration only asked the committee to nominate three persons for the meeting, which was not acceptable to the NNPP.”

    He accused Governor Ganduje of transferring all state permanent secretaries as part of his effort to sabotage the transition process.

    “We are calling on Governor Ganduje to respect the choice of the people of Kano and allow for a smooth transition in the state,” he said.