Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has hinted at a blueprint to draw other political parties into a quasi-merger agreement with the ruling party ahead of 2027 to boost its membership and followership across the country.

Senator Ganduje made the disclosure while fielding questions from journalists on the recent viral photo of the visit of Nyesom Wike, former Rivers State governor, to his (Ganduje’s) Abuja residence.

While clarifying that he has not yet discussed with Wike, an APC minister-designate, about him joining the party, the APC National Chairman however did not rule out such a possibility in the near future.

“You know Wike is an Honourable Minister-designate, so he came, we discussed it because I was looking for him to congratulate him for that, and also he came to congratulate me and we discussed that when he becomes minister fully he will work very hard in order to move the ministry he is given forward and he is ready to cooperate.

But we didn’t discuss the issue of his coming to APC or not coming to APC. That issue will arise later.

He however expressed hope that the coming of Wike, when it eventually happens will boost the followership of the party.

Beyond Wike joining APC, Senator Ganduje disclosed that already a blueprint, underground is ongoing to bring some of the political parties into a merger agreement to boost the followership of APC before the 2027 general election.

“It will certainly improve the chances of this our party, especially in 2027 and not only that we are coming out with a new blueprint to increase the followership of the party and this we include all strata of officials; those who are in APC and those who are in other political parties. I assure you very soon some of the political parties will even merge with the APC. We are doing that underground.

Asked if Wike’s ministerial appointment was not based on the spirit of government of national unity somehow canvased by the APC, Ganduje who received Simon Lalong, Plateau State immediate past governor replied.

“But the spirit of national unity does not mean the spirit of one party in Nigeria. Spirit of national unity means spirit of national competence and spirit of national capacity.”

Earlier Lalong had applauded the emergence of Senator Ganduje as APC national chairman noting that as the longest-serving political figure in the ruling party, he possesses the experience and temperament to lead the party to success.

“As the National Chairman, Ganduje was Governor. As a matter of fact when we look at his antecedents we always say he is the longest experienced politician that we have within us. Because he is somebody who was very long in Civil Service, he became Permanent Secretary, Commissioner, longest serving Deputy Governor and became Governor” he narrated.

“So with this kind of experience, what else do you need in party matters? So we have confidence in him as he is now here and it is not an issue of one man, anytime he has opportunity he does a lot consultation and we are always available.

“His colleagues who were Governors with him are always available for this kind of work. That is why we are rallying around to give him every help so that the party can also succeed. (Daily Independent)

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