By Peter Omopo
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has described his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje, as “Co-Chairman” of the ruling party, pledging to rely on his experience and political networks to consolidate the APC.
Yilwatda made the remarks in Abuja on Wednesday during a condolence visit by Ganduje, a former Kano State governor, over the death of his mother. He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had instructed him to work closely with the immediate past APC chairman in running party affairs.
“My doors are open, the office is open, the partnership remains open, and the friendship remains open. President Tinubu asked me to reach out to you, and I told him I would still regard you as a Chairman in partnership with me. You are still the Co-Chairman of the APC,” Yilwatda said.
The APC chairman, who described himself as “only a coordinator,” stressed that the party belonged to all members and would benefit greatly from Ganduje’s decades-long political experience. He noted that Ganduje’s career dates back to the era of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), giving him unique insights into the country’s political evolution.
“I will depend heavily on your experience, your connections, and your contacts to ensure we solidify this party and build it together, so that we can win more elections,” Yilwatda added.
In his response, Ganduje commended the cordial relationship he shares with his successor, noting that it should serve as a model for Nigerian politics, where friction between predecessors and successors is common.
“One important thing is that the problem between the successor and his predecessor, which has always been an issue in many states, is one of the things the APC has solved. Our relationship is an example, not only for the APC but for democracy across Nigeria,” Ganduje said.
He congratulated Yilwatda on his new role and pledged to support him in strengthening the party ahead of future elections.