By Umar Idris Shuaibu In what was supposed to be a high-level consultative meeting for stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North East, a disturbing turn of events unfolded on Sunday in Gombe, when a group of unruly party elements attempted to disrupt proceedings and physically assault the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. What transpired was not just an affront to the man leading the party’s national structure, but a slap to the core values of democracy, civility, and party discipline. Despite the tension, Dr. Ganduje maintained composure, attempting to restore calm and reiterate his unwavering support for the North East zone, a region that produced Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima. His appeals for unity and recognition of the constitutional integrity of the Tinubu-Shettima joint ticket were met with recalcitrance from a disruptive faction bent on chaos. Chief Oliver Okpala, Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment to the APC National Chairman, described the act as “condemnable, unpatriotic, and irresponsible.” He warned of the dangerous precedent being set, drawing parallels to the Western Region political crisis that helped precipitate the collapse of Nigeria’s First Republic. Read Also: APC’s Rising Star: The Woman Ganduje Trusted with the Future “How do you treat a man who has laboured round the clock for peace like this?” Okpala asked rhetorically, echoing the sentiments of many party faithful who watched the events unfold with dismay. While some may view the event as isolated, it has ignited deeper reflection within the party and beyond. Dr. Ganduje, a veteran in Nigerian politics, has consistently worked behind the scenes to reconcile aggrieved members, unify party ranks, and deepen the internal democratic process of the APC. His contributions toward building a strong political structure that cuts across ethnic and regional divides are well documented, from his time as governor of Kano State to his current role at the apex chairman of the party. That such a man would be physically threatened while performing his duties as National Chairman is both an aberration and an indictment of those who seek power not through persuasion or consensus but through aggression and political brigandage. Yet, in the face of this provocation, Ganduje did not retaliate. Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to party discipline, decorum, and dialogue principles that should be the bedrock of modern Nigerian politics. His speech at the meeting was clear: the APC remains one party, under one leadership, with a joint presidential ticket that values every region of Nigeria equally. He reminded the stakeholders that Shettima’s position as Vice President is not symbolic but strategic, and that the North East plays a crucial role in the APC’s national outlook. His attempt to calm tempers did not go unnoticed. Security operatives, acting swiftly, shielded him from what could have easily turned into a national embarrassment. That prompt intervention likely saved the party from descending into a public relations crisis and further disunity. Read Also: Dr. Ganduje Undertakes Hajj Amid Rising Political Influence Across the political spectrum, voices are rising in solidarity with Ganduje. Observers and analysts have described the attack as “politically unwise,” “disrespectful,” and “a shameful display of desperation.” Even within the North East, many responsible party leaders have begun calling for discipline and sanctioning of those responsible. More than ever, Dr. Ganduje’s stature as a leader of peace and unity is being tested, but if history is any indicator, this moment will not weaken him. Rather, it strengthens his resolve to build an APC that is not just electorally dominant, but internally stable, ideologically consistent, and democratically driven. A Call for Political Decency Chief Okpala’s warning must be heeded. Nigeria’s political culture must never tolerate thuggery, particularly within parties that pride themselves on progressivism. It’s not just about Ganduje; it’s about the future of internal party democracy and the need to safeguard our political institutions from the recklessness of fringe elements. As Nigeria’s largest political party, the APC must rise above internal provocations. Leaders across all zones must rally around the values of consultation, consensus, and mutual respect, values that Dr. Ganduje continues to promote in every forum. For now, the dust in Gombe may settle, but the implications remain. Dr. Ganduje, unshaken and unbroken, walks forward with the dignity of a leader focused not on retaliation but on rebuilding trust and reinforcing unity, the kind of leadership the APC, and indeed Nigeria, needs in these times. This piece was written by Umar Idris Shuaibu, a digital journalist based in Kano. He can be reached via email at shuaibuumaridris@gmail.com
