Attempted attack on Ganduje in Gombe shameful, must not be ignored, says APC chair’s aide

Oliver Okpala, senior special assistant on public enlightenment to Abdullahi Ganduje, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has condemned the disruption of the party’s north-east zonal meeting in Gombe.

Okpala described the attempted physical attack on Ganduje during the meeting as “irresponsible, unpatriotic, and disgraceful”.

In a statement on Monday, he said the incident was a throwback to the political chaos that plagued the western region during the first republic, warning that such violent actions must not be tolerated in a democratic setting.

“The attempt by some individuals to accost and physically attack the national chairman as he approached his vehicle was shameful,” the statement reads.

“We are grateful to the Nigerian police and other security operatives who intervened promptly. Their swift response averted what could have degenerated into complete anarchy.”

Okpala maintained that Ganduje has consistently worked to promote peace and unity in the party and across the country.

“Dr Ganduje has shown leadership, worked round the clock to unify party members, and maintained a strong relationship with both the president and vice-president,” he said.

“Unfortunately, a few recalcitrant elements at the meeting chose to ignore his appeal for calm and dialogue, insisting on violence instead.”

He warned that such incidents, especially in the presence of governors and senior party leaders, set a dangerous precedent and must not be swept under the carpet.

“There is no room for thuggery in Nigeria’s current political environment. Politics is about engagement, not violence,” he added.

The meeting in Gombe was expected to strengthen regional coordination within the ruling APC but was marred by a breakdown in decorum, leading to an attempted assault on the party’s national chairman.

Okpala called on all political leaders to caution their supporters and commit to peaceful conduct, noting that Nigeria’s image and democratic progress are at stake.