Governor Akeredolu of Ondo State has expressed his confidence in Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to lead the party towards growth and unity. Akeredolu cited Ganduje’s extensive experience as a former two-term Kano State Governor as a strong qualification for advancing the party.
In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, Akeredolu made these comments during a meeting with a delegation led by the APC National Chairman, Ganduje. The delegation included prominent figures from the party, such as National Secretary Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Bashiru, National Vice Chairman Southwest Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, Deputy National Secretary Sir Festus Fuanter, Deputy National Financial Secretary Hon. Hamma Ali Kumo, and former deputy Governors Chief Moses Adeyemo and Rauf Olaniyan, among others.
Akeredolu expressed his appreciation for the chairman’s directive to maintain proper state party offices, emphasizing the impressive state of the Ondo office. He pledged his support to Ganduje and stressed the party’s need to assert control over the country’s affairs.
“I thank God for the gift of life for all of us. I personally want to express my gratitude that I’m alive and well. We are back by the grace of God,” Akeredolu stated. “You will know that we have a befitting office when you visit Akure. After the Abuja office, it’s the Ondo office that we can be proud of.
“I want to thank you all for coming. I know that the Lord has answered my prayers, but I need more. My Chairman, I know you are capable, and you can count on my support anytime. The party has survived, and it must continue to take full control of the country’s affairs.”
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Earlier, Ganduje emphasized the Governor’s significance to the party and the nation, acknowledging the prayers for Akeredolu’s health and commending the good governance he has provided to Ondo and Nigeria.
“We are here solely to see you after your prolonged absence from the country. You hold extreme importance to us in the APC and the country. We prayed intensively for your health.
“We cannot forget the good governance you have been providing for Ondo state and Nigeria at large. When one of us faces health challenges, we feel it too. We have come with our Bishop to offer prayers for your health,” Ganduje said.
He also mentioned that during Akeredolu’s absence, the APC’s National Working Committee underwent a reformation, with him now serving as the new Chairman and Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Bashiru as the new Secretary, ensuring the committee is fully operational.
“In your absence, the National Working Committee was reformed. The National Chairman and the National Secretary of the party both resigned. Prior to this, there were gaps due to resignations or deaths.
“The Chairman’s departure left a significant void, and the NEC felt the need to fill the crucial positions. By the grace of God, I am the new Chairman of the party, and Bashiru is the new Secretary. The National Working Committee is now fully operational,” Ganduje explained.
