Oliver Okpala, Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Public Enlightenment, has alleged that opposition forces are behind efforts to create division within the APC. His comments come in response to recent statements by APC chieftain Saleh Zazzaga, who has publicly rejected the endorsement of APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje by Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule.
Okpala described Zazzaga’s criticism of Governor Sule and Ganduje as “reckless” and accused him of spreading falsehoods. He emphasized that the APC has a legitimate National Chairman recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and criticized Zazzaga for undermining party leadership.
In his statement, Okpala asserted, “Zazzaga is a purveyor of lies and should not be given attention. APC, as a notable political organization, has its internal mechanisms for resolving issues, and Zazzaga’s actions are indicative of his disloyalty to the party.”
He also criticized Zazzaga for taking his grievances to court instead of using internal party channels. Okpala labeled Zazzaga’s behavior as an attempt to bring disrepute to the party and accused him of being a “dissident and an outlaw” for not adhering to party norms.
Okpala highlighted the support of the APC North Central Governors Forum for Ganduje, noting that governors hold significant influence within their zones and the party. He contended that Zazzaga’s objections are insignificant compared to the endorsement from the governors.
“The Governors are a great force to reckon with,” Okpala said, asserting that their endorsement of Ganduje as National Chairman should outweigh Zazzaga’s dissent. He warned that any attempts by Zazzaga to undermine Ganduje are likely part of a broader opposition strategy to cause discord within the APC.
Okpala concluded by asserting that the opposition’s attempts to create division will ultimately fail, reaffirming the unity and resolve of the APC leadership in the face of internal and external challenges.
