PDP and others blame Ganduje's ratification as APC president

• Saying a blow to the fight against corruption, damaging the image of the party • The general elections of 2023 are "the most credible" in Nigeria, according to Tinubu

Criticism followed yesterday's endorsement of former Kano state governor Abdullahi Ganduje as national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party's National Executive Committee (NEC), which endorsed Ganduje, also ratified the appointment of Ajibola Basiru as National Secretary during its meeting at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement by its spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, said: "It says a lot about the APC under Bola Tinubu that Ganduje, who would normally be prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged bribery, is instead crowned and rewarded with the post of National Chairman of APC. "This can only happen in a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) like the APC, which the former CEO of the Progressive Governors Forum says is full of 'political villains'. PDP added: 'A crushing defeat awaits Ganduje and his party in the 11 November 2023 gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states. said: "I see this as something that will have big consequences for the party that wants to fight corruption. He told the Guardian: "The emergence of Ganduje will have big consequences for the image of the party, at the level national and international. There will be shouting from party people and others as well as from outside the country. The Head of Department of Political Science and International Relations at Kola Daisi University in Ibadan, Dr. Ms. Adebukola Ayoola, has criticized Ganduje's choice as national president, saying he paints the APC as corruption personified. “It actually reduces the image of the party in front of the public,” she added. However, Professor Gbade Ojo from the University of Ilorin's Department of Political Science and former Chief of Staff to the late Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, said: "The corruption allegation against him ( Ganduje) has not been proven. He still remains innocent. “In the age of Photoshop, that's not all to believe. Ganduje has the right to be national president; be a registered member of the APC. It meets all requirements. Party management is complex. Let's wait and see how he steers the party ship. Meanwhile, in his acceptance speech, Ganduje pledged to reposition the party to deliver its manifesto to Nigerians. He assured that he will ensure a level playing field for all members running for office on the APC platform. He also called on Nigerians to rally behind the administration of President Bola Tinubu to deliver on his campaign promises. "I want to make a special appeal to Nigerians to support the President at this difficult time, given that the country's economy had been in shambles for years," he said, noting, "The policies and programs that will be unveiled by Mr. President, when his administration takes full shape, will surely make things better.He said, “Our party must remain rooted among the people, must demonstrate its willingness to serve and sacrifice, and must be prepared to recognize and address our weaknesses. Our main objective will be to promote party unity and to defend and increase the number of executive and legislative seats we currently hold. "Under my leadership, internal democracy will strictly adhered to, with a deliberate policy of engaging in broader consultations and making the party functional throughout the year. Further reforms will be carried out within the party, in alignment with the current political landscape. It was then that Tinubu described his election as the most credible in Nigeria. The chairman revealed this in his address to the NEC meeting yesterday. "Yes, we are facing legal challenges but I think this is the most credible election in Nigeria. So, it is to be congratulated. As a democrat, those who cannot accept election results free and fair do not deserve the joy of victory," he said. The president told party members, "I know that election is just one step in the process, good governance is another. We have the trophy; the president stands before you, and the reward for hard work is more work. The party has a responsibility to promote unity, stability and love between us. And we must fulfill your dreams and the dreams of our founding fathers.