Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has sparked controversy within the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly from the North Central region, by endorsing the party's embattled national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
During a weekend visit to the APC national headquarters, Governor Sule emphasised the importance of supporting Ganduje, especially as the party prepares for the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
"In the next couple of weeks, we have an election in Edo. The man does not need to be distracted in any other way so that we can go and win our election in Edo. That is one of the reasons why I came to encourage him to be focused," Sule stated.
Governor Sule, who doubles as the Chairman, North Central Governor's Forum, also urged his fellow APC governors to maintain regular contact with the party's national leadership, stressing the importance of unity within the party.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Ali Abari, Sule appealed to Ganduje and the APC's National Working Committee (NWC) to intervene in resolving the ongoing crisis in the Benue State chapter of the party.
He expressed confidence in Ganduje's ability to handle the situation, saying, "If there is any gentleman that can work to resolve that matter, it is none other than Ganduje, a former deputy governor and former governor."
In response, Dr. Ganduje thanked Governor Sule for his support and reiterated his commitment to strengthening the APC. He emphasised the need for politicians within the party to exhibit character, capacity, and capability, stating that these qualities are essential for the party's institutional integrity.
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However, Governor Sule's endorsement of Ganduje has not been well-received by all, particularly within the North Central region. The North Central APC Forum, a group advocating for the return of the party's national chairmanship to the region, condemned Sule's actions.
The forum's chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, criticised the governor's visit to Ganduje, calling it a betrayal of the region's interests.
Zazzaga argued that the national chairmanship should remain in the North Central following the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu, who also hailed from the region.
"For Governor Sule to openly support Ganduje is to sacrifice our collective interest for his personal ambition," Zazzaga said.
"Governor Sule is not a founding member of the APC; he joined along the line and does not understand the progressive ideology and drive of the party. For him to now endorse Ganduje, despite the region's wishes, is a clear indication that he is not after the progress of his state or the North Central region," Zazzaga added.
Zazzaga urged other North Central governors to distance themselves from Sule's endorsement of Ganduje, warning that it could harm both the region and the APC.
He also expressed doubts about Ganduje's legitimacy as national chairman, noting that the potential legal challenges that could arise from his leadership, particularly concerning the upcoming elections in Edo and Ondo states, could cost the party heavily.
