Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared his determination to foster unity by contacting former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Ganduje, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Chief Oliver Okpala, emphasized his commitment to building a cohesive Nigeria. The chairman aims to create a political environment that aligns with citizens’ aspirations, fostering peace, unity, and decorum in the nation’s political landscape.
Previously, Kwankwaso had parted ways with the APC, transitioning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and subsequently to the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) for the 2023 presidential race, citing differences with Ganduje.
The historical feud between the two politicians reached a point where Kwankwaso was prohibited from entering Kano during Ganduje’s governorship. Recent reports suggest President Bola Ahmed Tinubu facilitates reconciliation efforts between the estranged duo.
Ganduje recently invited Kwankwaso and other NNPP leaders in Kano, including Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to join the APC. However, Governor Yusuf’s spokesperson clarified that the invitation was received informally through the media.
In a Sunday statement, Ganduje remarked, “This is the first time the Chairman of a ruling political party in the country has exhibited such maturity, taking such an approach and calling for a united front.” He urged politicians to collaborate as fellow Nigerians, fostering a sense of brotherhood.
Ganduje stressed the importance of interpreting his gesture as a call for unity and cooperation. He sees it as an invitation from a seasoned politician aimed at building essential synergy to address Nigeria’s complex challenges.
The chairman emphasized that the call signifies a commitment to national unity, peaceful coexistence, and the purification of the political system from animosity and hatred. Ganduje views it as an invitation from a ruling government that recognizes opposition figures not as adversaries but as potential allies in the collective effort to liberate the nation from longstanding challenges addressed by the current APC administration.
