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…Reveals some parties ‘ll merge into APC
From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said that former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, will be a good addition that will enhance the chances of the ruling party winning the 2027 presidential election.
The former governor of Kano state made the disclosure while revealing the purpose of Wike’s visit to him, announcing that apart from Wike joining the party, he is also exploring the possibility of ensuring that other parties merge with the ruling party.
Ganduje said that the former Rivers governor also guaranteed him of working very hard to move whichever ministry he is giving forward, adding that he is ready to cooperate.
“You know Wike is a Minister designate. So, he came, we discussed because I was looking for him to congratulate him for that and also he came to congratulate me. We discussed and he assured me that when he becomes Minister fully, he will work very hard in order to move the ministry he is giving forward and he is ready to cooperate,” he said.
Asked if they discussed the issue of his joining the APC, he said: “His joining APC will certainly improve the chances of this our party, especially in 2027 and not only that we are coming out with a new blueprint to increase the followership of the party and this we include all stratas of officials; those who are in APC and those who are in other political parties.
“I assure you very soon some of the political parties will even merge with the APC. We are doing that underground. Many thought Wike’s nomination was in the spirit of government of national unity, but the spirit of national unity does not mean the spirit of one party in Nigeria. Spirit of national unity means spirit of national competence and spirit of national capacity,” he said.
Meanwhile, the immediate past governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, also paid courtesy visit on the national chairman.
Lalong, who told newsmen the purpose of the visit, said: “At the time we finished national caucus and then NEC meeting, I was not around so now that I am around I need to formally come and congratulate him (Ganduje) and see what efforts we can do to keeping him moving in running the party.
“As the National Chairman, Ganduje was governor, as matter of fact when we look at his antecedents we always say he is the longest experienced politician that we have within us. He is somebody who was very long in Civil Service, he became Permanent Secretary, Commissioner, longest serving Deputy Governor and became Governor. So, with this kind of experience what else do you need in party matters.
“We have confidence in him as he is now here and it is not an issue of one man, anytime he has opportunity, he does a lot consultation and we are always available. His colleagues who were governors with him, are always available for this kind of work. That is why we are rallying around to give him every help so that the party can also succeed,” Lalong, a minister designate said.
