The APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has called for a bailout to settle the party’s N8.9bn election debts, urging Tinubu’s intervention
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has appealed for a financial bailout to clear the ruling party’s N8.9 billion election-related debts.
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The plea came during the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, where Ganduje disclosed that the party’s accounts had been garnisheed due to legal costs incurred in defending election victories.
Ganduje, the former Governor of Kano State, revealed that the massive debt stemmed from pre-election legal disputes and court cases filed by opposition parties against the victories of President Bola Tinubu, APC governors, and legislators.
He noted that the National Legal Adviser, Prof Abdul Kareem Kana (SAN), had been working to reduce the financial burden through legal negotiations.
“Your Excellencies, the current NWC inherited debts and legal liabilities to the total tune of N8,987,874,663 from legal engagements during pre-election matters, election cases, and appeals for legislative, governorship, and presidential elections,” Ganduje stated.
The NEC meeting was attended by President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, among other key political figures.
However, notable absentees included former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, among others.
Beyond the debt issue, Ganduje also urged Tinubu to help secure a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) land grant for the construction of a modern APC secretariat, arguing that the current structure was outdated and inadequate for the ruling party’s growing needs.
“As part of our commitment to secure a befitting national secretariat, we have formally applied for land at the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
May I, therefore, appeal for Mr President’s kind intervention to make this project a reality?” he pleaded.
Ganduje also briefed the NEC on ongoing reconciliation efforts aimed at uniting aggrieved party members.
With growing internal divisions in several states, including Kano, Benue, Lagos, Adamawa, and Rivers, he stressed that dialogues and high-level negotiations were underway to resolve conflicts.
President Tinubu, in his response, reaffirmed his commitment to stabilising the party and ensuring unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He directed the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to set up committees to address lingering issues within state chapters.
“The National Working Committee is doing a good job. In all states, let us set up reconciliation committees to liaise with aggrieved leaders. I appeal to them—please be calm,” Tinubu stated.
During the meeting, the APC NEC passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, citing his economic reforms and commitment to party stability.
Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole seconded the motion, praising the President’s policies for driving progressive change.
“The Senate and House of Representatives are also committed to supporting President Tinubu in lifting the nation from its economic challenges,” Senate President Akpabio added.
APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, took a swipe at former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over his recent criticisms of the party.
Morka argued that while party members were entitled to grievances, public attacks on APC leadership were unnecessary.
“There’s a difference between party loyalty and grievance-driven commentaries. It’s not a good idea to publicly undermine a system because of personal dissatisfaction,” Morka remarked.
Despite financial and internal challenges, the APC leadership remains optimistic about the party’s future. Tinubu reassured members that Nigeria’s economic recovery was on track, urging continued support from party faithful.
“I accept your vote of confidence as a challenge to do more. We will vigorously pursue progress in food security, investment, and national development,” Tinubu pledged.
