Major opposition parties, ready to join APC – Ganduje
…says Wike yet to make up his mind, joining party
By Tom Okpe
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Abdullahi Ganduje has revealed that some major opposition parties in the country will soon declare intentions to merge with the ruling party.
He also said as a Minister designate, immediate past Governor of River State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike visited, to congratulate him as National Chairman of the party and he too, congratulated him as an appointed Minister of the Federal Republic.
Ganduje made this known on Wednesday at the party Secretariat, Buhari House when Minister designate and former Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong paid him a courtesy call.
“You know Wike is an Honourable 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 that when he becomes Minister, he will work hard, to move the Ministry he will be given forward, and he is ready to cooperate.
READ ALSO: Opu- Nembe crisis: Ex- Fed lawmaker seeks justice
“But, we didn’t discuss the issue of his coming to APC or not coming to APC. That issue will arise later,” Ganduje said.
Reminded of his promise that he will enlarge population of party members at resumption of duty, he said: “It will certainly improve the chances of our party, especially in 2027 and not only that, we are coming out with a new blueprint to increase the followership of the party.
“This will 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 merge with the APC. We are working around that, underground.”
On Government of National Unity, the National Chairman noted that the spirit isn’t of one party system in Nigeria.
“Spirit of national unity means spirit of national competence and national capacity.”
While speaking with journalists, Lalong stated that it was unfortunate that he couldn’t attend the National Caucus and National Executive Committee, (NEC) meeting of the party where Ganduje emerged so, had come to congratulate him.
“At the time of the National Caucus and NEC meetings were held, I was not around so now that I am around, I need to formally come to 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; when we look at his antecedents, we always say he is the longest experienced politician that we have within us.
“He is somebody who served in the 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 of consultation and we are always available.
“His colleagues who were Governors with him are always available for this kind of work and that’s why we are rallying around, to give him every help so that the party can also, succeed,” Lalong added.
For more news update follow us on www.dailytimesng.com
