By Oriri Peter
In a dramatic turn of events, the APC Youth Solidarity Network has retracted its previous actions and expressed full support for the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. During a world press conference held today, the group’s National Coordinator, Prince Danesi Momoh, addressed the media to reveal the reasons behind their change of heart and call for unity within the party.
Momoh disclosed that certain political actors, described as “money bags,” had mobilized non-party members to organize protests against Ganduje. These individuals, he claimed, are also using the media to tarnish the National Chairman’s work. He advised the media and party faithful to desist from such activities.
Initially, the organization had been at the forefront of protests demanding Ganduje’s removal, even submitting a protest letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This action was influenced by claims that Ganduje’s suspension by his council ward in Ganduje, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State, was necessary to prevent potential legal setbacks similar to those experienced in Zamfara State.
However, Momoh revealed that they later realized they had been misled by internal adversaries within the APC, who were collaborating with the opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party to destabilize both the party and President Tinubu’s administration. This revelation prompted the group to reassess their stance and withdraw their call for Ganduje’s removal.
“We were brainwashed into believing that removing Ganduje was the only way to save our party,” Momoh stated. “Upon further investigation, we discovered that those pushing us against Ganduje were enemies within the party, conniving with the opposition to destabilize the APC.”
The Youth Solidarity Network now urges all stakeholders and President Tinubu to act decisively against those attempting to create division within the party. They emphasized the need to support Ganduje, whose leadership they praised for fostering internal democracy and equality within the APC.
Momoh criticized the recent lawsuit filed by Mohammed Saidu-Etsu, a former contender for the National Chairman position, seeking to challenge Ganduje’s appointment. He described the suit as “childish” and a ploy to undermine the party’s stability.
The group issued a resounding vote of confidence in Ganduje and his leadership team, vowing to stage a solidarity protest to demonstrate their unwavering support. They apologized for their previous actions and committed to working towards strengthening the APC.
“Let it be on record that we were the first to protest against the National Chairman, and we are saying we are sorry for being used against our party. We shall work with the National Chairman to move our party forward, and anyone planning to cause harm should be suspended,” Momoh affirmed.