The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is struggling with financial difficulties after its accounts were seized due to an outstanding N8.9 billion debt from election-related legal battles. The party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, made this known during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
Ganduje revealed that the huge debt came from expenses incurred in defending election cases filed by opposition parties challenging the victories of President Bola Tinubu, APC governors, and lawmakers.
“Our accounts have been garnished due to the financial burden of election litigation,” Ganduje told the NEC. “The current National Working Committee (NWC) inherited debts and legal liabilities totaling N8,987,874,663 from various cases, including pre-election matters, election petitions, and appeals at different levels.”
He added that the party’s National Legal Adviser, Prof. Abdul Kareem Kana (SAN), has been working to reduce the debt through negotiations and alternative dispute resolution. However, he appealed to the NEC to intervene, stressing that urgent action is needed.
Call for Financial Assistance and a New Secretariat
Ganduje also used the opportunity to ask President Tinubu for help in securing a parcel of land in Abuja for a new APC national secretariat. He described the current building as outdated and not suitable for a ruling party.
Ganduje explained, “We have formally applied for land from the Federal Capital Territory Administration for a national secretariat that will accommodate our national officers, the Progressives Institute, and other wings of the party. Mr. President, we seek your kind intervention to make this a reality.”
He reassured party members of APC’s commitment to delivering on its electoral promises despite financial and political challenges. “The journey has been tough, but we have risen to the occasion,” he stated.
Tinubu Urges Reconciliation Amid Party Crisis
President Tinubu, who attended the meeting alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima and other top APC leaders, acknowledged the challenges but urged unity. He promised to address the issue of the new party secretariat.
“The place we are gathering today is too small for us. We will work with the Minister of National Economic Planning to secure a better location,” Tinubu assured the party members.
He also emphasized the need for reconciliation among APC members, particularly in states facing internal conflicts. “Let us form reconciliation committees to reach out to our aggrieved leaders,” Tinubu said. “We must remain calm and work together to sustain our progressive ideals.”
NEC Passes Vote of Confidence in Tinubu
In a show of support, the NEC passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu’s leadership. The motion, moved by former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, praised Tinubu’s economic reforms.
“The President’s reforms are truly making an impact,” Oshiomhole said. “I congratulate him and our leaders for ensuring a legislative environment that supports positive change.”
The NEC also resolved leadership issues in the North-West, addressing agitation from critics who wanted the chairmanship returned to the North-Central region.
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Internal Conflicts in APC
Despite the show of unity at the NEC meeting, the APC is facing a leadership crisis in several states. In Kano, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, threatened to resign if Abdullahi Abbas remains the state APC chairman. In Benue, a power struggle between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has deepened divisions.
Lagos APC is also dealing with internal turmoil after 36 out of 40 state lawmakers impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa in January, citing mismanagement. The crisis led to the appointment of Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda as Speaker. The situation has drawn interventions from party elders, including Tinubu and former APC National Chairman Bisi Akande.
The APC is also battling internal issues in Adamawa, Delta, Rivers, Zamfara, and Bayelsa states. In Osun, the party is stabilizing after a faction led by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola exited the party.
Tinubu Promises Economic Stability
In his closing remarks, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to stabilizing the economy and ensuring food security. He assured party members that Nigeria was on the path to recovery.
Tinubu said, “I appreciate your vote of confidence, and I accept the challenge to work harder. We are making progress, and I am happy that food prices are coming down as Ramadan approaches.”
He also praised APC governors and lawmakers for their efforts in supporting his administration.
El-Rufai Under Fire for Criticism
Meanwhile, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, criticized former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for his recent public attacks on the party.
Morka said, “Grievance-driven comments should not be taken seriously. El-Rufai is a respected figure, but he should maintain decorum. Being dissatisfied does not justify attacking the party in public.”
Despite these tensions, Morka downplayed the absence of some APC heavyweights, including former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, from the NEC meeting. He argued that no party meeting ever achieves full attendance.
Morka concluded, “As a matter of fact, we expanded the list of invitees today. The trend is towards accommodating more leaders, not fewer.”