The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has disclosed that the ruling party’s accounts have been seized over an outstanding debt of N8.9 billion incurred from legal battles following the 2023 general elections. He made this revelation at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, where he appealed for urgent financial intervention.
Ganduje explained that the huge debt burden resulted from pre-election litigation, post-election cases, and appeals filed to defend the victories of President Bola Tinubu, APC governors, and lawmakers at various levels. He stated that the party’s National Legal Adviser, Prof. Abdul Kareem Kana (SAN), has been working to reduce the debt through alternative dispute resolution, but some party accounts remain garnisheed. The APC chairman, therefore, sought the NEC’s assistance in resolving the matter, emphasizing that the financial strain could undermine the party’s operations.
The NEC meeting was attended by top APC leaders, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and several governors, ministers, and party executives. However, notable figures such as former President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai were absent.
Beyond the financial challenges, Ganduje also made a direct appeal to President Tinubu to assist the party in acquiring land from the Federal Capital Territory Administration for the construction of a befitting national secretariat. He described the current APC headquarters as outdated and insufficient to accommodate party officers and the newly established Progressives Institute.
President Tinubu responded to Ganduje’s request by acknowledging the need for a new party headquarters, assuring that his administration would work towards securing the necessary land. He commended the APC leadership for their efforts in managing the party despite its challenges and emphasized the need for reconciliation among aggrieved members. He directed the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to set up committees to address ongoing disputes in state chapters and urged stakeholders to remain committed to the party’s unity.
The NEC passed a vote of confidence on Tinubu, with former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole moving the motion in appreciation of the President’s economic policies. Oshiomhole praised Tinubu’s reforms and collaborative approach with the National Assembly, stating that they were beginning to yield positive results. Senate President Akpabio and House Speaker Abbas also pledged legislative support to ensure the administration’s policies achieve their intended impact.
The meeting also addressed internal party crises in several states, including Kano, Benue, Lagos, Adamawa, Delta, Rivers, Zamfara, and Bayelsa. In Kano, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, threatened to resign if Abdullahi Abbas remained the state APC chairman. In Benue, a power struggle between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has caused deep divisions within the party. Lagos APC has also been grappling with leadership disputes in the State House of Assembly, following the impeachment of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
Reacting to concerns over the absence of some key figures at the NEC meeting, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka dismissed any speculation of disunity. He explained that not all members could attend every meeting due to scheduling conflicts and assured that the party remains intact.
Morka, however, took a swipe at former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai over his recent criticisms of the party, describing his remarks as grievance-driven and unnecessary. He advised El-Rufai to act in a manner befitting his status, stating that the APC remains strong and effective despite internal challenges.
In his closing remarks, Tinubu assured party members that his administration is working to stabilize the economy, improve food security, and attract investments. He called for unity within the party and reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the APC’s campaign promises, urging members to remain steadfast in supporting his government.
