The Traffic

“A Time for Unity”: Ganduje Bows Out, Endorses Yilwatda as APC’s New National Chairman
Abuja

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has thrown his full support behind Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the newly appointed leader of Nigeria’s ruling party, calling his emergence “both strategic and timely.”

In a statement released Thursday night, Ganduje described the APC National Executive Committee’s decision as a turning point for the party’s internal cohesion and strategic direction—especially as the nation moves toward critical political realignments.

“This is not just a routine handover,” Ganduje noted. “It’s a defining moment in the life of our great party, and Prof. Yilwatda is stepping in at exactly the right time.”

Ganduje, who stepped down from the party’s top job citing health reasons, struck a tone of reflection and reassurance as he urged the APC family to close ranks behind the new chairman. He acknowledged the efforts of his predecessor, Abdullahi Adamu, and expressed hope that Yilwatda would consolidate on the legacies of the party’s past leadership.

But the former Kano governor saved his strongest praise for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, hailing their “statesmanship and strategic foresight” during the leadership transition.

“Their maturity and wisdom have been a stabilizing force,” Ganduje said. “It is through their guidance that we are witnessing a smooth and consensus-driven process—a rare feat in Nigeria’s political landscape.”

As he formally bowed out, Ganduje emphasized that party discipline, internal democracy, and unity must remain the guiding principles under the new leadership. He called on the National Working Committee (NWC), party organs, and all APC members—across states and zones—to give Yilwatda their full cooperation.

“As I take my leave with a sense of fulfilment,” he said, “I pledge my unflinching support and solidarity to Prof. Yilwatda. I urge governors, lawmakers, youth, women leaders, and our teeming supporters to rally around him and help strengthen the party’s mission of national unity and progressive governance.”

Ganduje closed his remarks with a prayer for wisdom, strength, and divine direction for his successor, noting that Yilwatda takes the helm at a time “rich in both opportunity and responsibility.”

With this endorsement, Ganduje sets the tone for a new chapter in the APC—one that could shape the party’s internal politics and national outlook ahead of 2027.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna