ABUJA, April 19, 2024 — Amidst internal controversies, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that the reported suspension of its National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, will not influence the forthcoming governorship primary election in Ondo State or any other party functions. This statement was made by APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, at the inauguration of the Ondo State Governorship Election and Appeals Committees held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Ensuring Continuity Amidst Controversy
In light of recent events where a faction within Ganduje’s Ward Executive Committee attempted his suspension, the APC has taken legal steps to ensure stability within its leadership. According to Senator Basiru, the party has successfully obtained a Federal High Court order to halt the suspension, emphasizing the need for due process and legal recourse in party matters.
“The court’s directive places the suspension attempt by the impostors in abeyance, ensuring that Dr. Ganduje remains in his role until a final decision is reached,” explained Basiru. This move by the APC underscores its commitment to maintaining order and authority within its ranks, reinforcing that the operations and strategic decisions of the party are guided by legal frameworks and not by internal dissent.
Legal Frameworks and Party Integrity
Senator Basiru further stressed the importance of adhering to legal norms and the judicial process, noting that the APC respects the rule of law and will follow the court’s orders diligently. “We are not violating any rule because we have an order from a competent court that states that the status of the chairman of the party be maintained. The order remains positive and valid until it is vacated by another court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.
This adherence to legal procedures not only helps in managing internal crises but also sets a precedent for how disputes should be handled within the party, potentially reducing future conflicts and ensuring a systematic approach to crisis management.
Preparation for Ondo State Governorship Primary
Despite the legal and political challenges, the APC remains focused on the upcoming electoral duties, particularly the governorship primary in Ondo State. Dr. Ganduje, speaking at the event, highlighted the critical nature of the primaries and the party’s preparedness to handle the complexities associated with democratic processes.
“This is a very important exercise. Democracy is democracy in action. You know democracy controversy is a whole department. We don’t expect a 100 percent peaceful process but we are equal to the task,” remarked Ganduje. His statement reflects a realistic yet optimistic outlook towards conducting fair and democratic primaries, acknowledging the inherent challenges while expressing confidence in the party’s ability to manage them effectively.
Committee’s Commitment to Fair Elections
The Ondo governorship primary election committee, chaired by Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State, reassured that it is well-prepared to conduct a transparent and equitable selection process for the party’s gubernatorial candidate. In his acceptance speech, Ododo, represented by his deputy Joel Salifu, committed to adhering to the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines to ensure the integrity of the primaries.
“We will collaborate with all committee members to produce the best candidate for the Ondo gubernatorial election. In doing so, we will abide by the principles, the doctrines, and the constitution of our great party. And peace will return now, during, and even after the election of Ondo State,” Ododo asserted. His commitment underscores the committee’s dedication to fairness and the peaceful conduct of elections, setting a positive tone for the forthcoming electoral process.
Ensuring Transparency and Broad Participation in the Primary Election
The APC’s commitment to transparency and fairness is further illustrated by the meticulous preparation and verification of delegate participation for the primary election. Muhammad Argungu, the national organizing secretary, provided detailed insights into the delegate certification process which is crucial for the integrity of the primary.
Delegate Certification and Transparency
Argungu revealed that a thorough revalidation process had been conducted, resulting in 171,922 delegates being duly certified to participate in the primary. These delegates are drawn from 203 wards across the 18 local governments of Ondo State, demonstrating the party’s extensive grassroots engagement. “We have received a Certified True Copy (CTC) from INEC showing 173,181 membership while our revalidation came down to 171, 922,” he explained. This rigorous process ensures that all participants in the primary are legitimately recognized, which is vital for maintaining the electoral process’s credibility.
Addressing Challenges and Ensuring Security
Recognizing the potential challenges that can arise during such significant political events, the APC has taken proactive steps to ensure that the primary election is conducted smoothly and securely. Dr. Ganduje’s acknowledgment of the democratic challenges mirrors the party’s readiness to tackle any issues that may arise. “We contacted all the stakeholders. Security agencies were contacted to cover the venue adequately,” Ganduje stated, highlighting the comprehensive measures taken to safeguard the process.
Collaboration and Peaceful Conduct
Governor Ododo’s emphasis on collaboration and adherence to party principles is a critical aspect of the preparations. By ensuring that all committee members are aligned with the party’s goals and legal frameworks, the APC aims to mitigate conflicts and foster a cooperative environment during the primaries. This approach is not only intended to produce the best candidate but also to ensure that the process itself is a reflection of democratic values and peaceable conduct.
Long-term Implications for Party Unity and Electoral Success
The manner in which the APC handles this primary election could have significant implications for its unity and performance in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State. A transparent and fair primary is likely to bolster the party’s image and credibility among voters, which is crucial for electoral success. Furthermore, effectively managing internal disputes and legal challenges, as demonstrated in the handling of Ganduje’s suspension issue, reinforces the party’s resilience and capability to navigate complex political landscapes.
Conclusion: A Model for Democratic Resilience
As the APC moves forward with the Ondo State governorship primary, the steps it has taken to ensure fairness, security, and adherence to legal standards set a robust example for democratic processes within political parties in Nigeria. The focus on legal backing, delegate verification, and security preparations illustrates a comprehensive approach to conducting elections that other parties and states could emulate. This proactive and structured handling of potential challenges not only prepares the APC for the immediate task of selecting a gubernatorial candidate but also strengthens its democratic foundations for future political engagements.
