APC Chairman Yilwatda Says Tinubu Directed Him to Work Closely with Ganduje
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instructed him to work in partnership with his predecessor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for the unity and progress of the ruling party.
Yilwatda disclosed this on Wednesday during a condolence visit by Ganduje over the recent death of his mother. He said the president emphasized the importance of collaboration between him and the former chairman to strengthen the APC.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked me to work with you, to reach out to you as well about partnership. I told him I would regard you still as chairman in partnership with me. You are still the co-chairman of the party,” Yilwatda said.
Describing himself as only a coordinator of party affairs, Yilwatda stressed that the APC belongs to all members and leaders collectively. He noted that Ganduje’s vast political experience, dating back to the Second Republic, would serve as an invaluable guide to him as he leads the party.
“So I need your experience. I need your guidance. The learning curve still rests with you. I will depend heavily on your experience, your connections, and your contacts to ensure we solidify this party and build it together, so that we can win more elections,” he added.
In his remarks, Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, commended Yilwatda’s approach, describing their cooperation as a model for Nigerian politics. He said the relationship between the two APC leaders was a demonstration that conflicts between predecessors and successors can be avoided.
“One important thing is that the problem between successor and his predecessor is one of the issues that APC has solved. Since 1999, the problem between former governors and their successors has always been an issue in many states of the federation. But our relationship is the beginning of solving that kind of problem, not only in APC but in the whole atmosphere of democracy,” Ganduje stated.
He congratulated Yilwatda on his appointment and assured him of his full support in steering the party toward electoral victories.
