The Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence has thrown its weight behind the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The support followed alleged attack on Ganduje during the party’s North-East Zonal meeting recently in Gombe State.
In a statement signed by its Chief Press Secretary, Christopher Sunday, which was made available to Journalists in Lokoja on Wednesday, the group described the incident as “disgraceful, unacceptable and a violation of the values of discipline, unity, and peace” that the APC stands for.”
According to the group, Ganduje has shown remarkable leadership since taking over the reins of the party, citing his success in uniting the APC, winning critical elections, and expanding the party’s national base as reasons he deserved respect, not humiliation.
“It is unfortunate that a leader of his calibre, who has worked tirelessly to reposition the APC, win elections, and attract new members was subjected to public embarrassment by some misguided individuals,” the group stated.
They emphasised that no individual is greater than the party and warned that threats or sentiments cannot deliver victory in the 2027 elections.
“Politics requires planning and maturity—not division or public display of disloyalty,” Sunday said.
The group demanded a public apology from the APC Deputy National Chairman, North-East, Mustapha Salihu, to Dr. Ganduje and the party’s national leadership over what they described as “the disgraceful conduct in Gombe.”
The group further demanded, “That all party stakeholders, especially from the North, must rise above personal interests and support the national leadership in building a united front ahead of 2027.
“That party members, especially the youth, must reject violence and embrace peace and dialogue as the only true path to victory.
“That the APC must not be distracted, asserting that the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 is sacrosanct and non-negotiable.”
The group expressed strong confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, stating that his bold economic reforms were already beginning to reposition Nigeria for greatness.
They commended his administration’s efforts in stabilising the economy, boosting local production, and investing in infrastructure, calling these “solid foundations for national progress.”
They further added that “2027 elections will not be won by noise or intimidation, but by strategy, teamwork, and loyalty.”
In a related development, the Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence also condemned the recent killings in Benue State, describing the violence as “painful and completely unacceptable.”
The group further praised President Tinubu for his planned visit to Benue to sympathise with affected communities, noting that his empathy and commitment to peace and justice were reflective of true leadership.
“We encourage the president to ensure that appropriate security actions are taken to prevent further violence and to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the group added.
Also, FCT Coordinator of the group, Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah, called on youths across Northern Nigeria to maintain unity, loyalty, and discipline as the APC prepares for what they described as “another decisive electoral victory” in 2027.
