A disturbing incident unfolded during the North East Zonal Summit of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe on Sunday, as aggrieved party members attacked the National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje. The Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment to the Chairman, Oliver Okpala, swiftly condemned the incident, describing it as “acts of thuggery and brigandage” that are “condemnable, grievously irresponsible, and unpatriotic.”
According to Okpala, the national chairman has been a unifying force within the party since assuming office, working tirelessly to foster inclusivity and show love to all members. He emphasized that Ganduje’s relationship with the President and Vice President is strong and unwavering, much like the “rock of Gibraltar.” Okpala also drew parallels between this incident and the political crisis in the Western Region during the First Republic, which ultimately led to a national disaster and the collapse of the republic.
Despite Ganduje’s efforts to calm the situation, some individuals at the meeting remained unruly and allegedly attempted to assault him as he left the premises. Fortunately, Nigerian police personnel and security operatives intervened promptly, preventing further escalation. Okpala stressed that politics should be about dialogue, lobbying, and consultations, not violence. He urged those responsible for the disruption to reflect on their actions and return to the path of political responsibility.
The incident has raised concerns about the presence of such conduct in a meeting attended by state governors, which Okpala deemed a “dangerous precedent.” He questioned how such behavior could occur in a gathering that should have exemplified political decorum and responsibility. Instead, some individuals chose to engage in “brigandage,” undermining the principles of peaceful and respectful political discourse.
Okpala’s statement served as a call to action, appealing to those responsible for the disruption to retrace their steps and embrace a more constructive approach to politics. He reaffirmed Ganduje’s commitment to peace and unity, emphasizing that violence has no place in the political landscape. As the APC and its members move forward, it is essential to prioritize dialogue, respect, and inclusivity, ensuring that the party remains a beacon of stability and progress in Nigeria.
