The Labour Party (LP) has taken a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following the reported attempt to physically assault its National Chairman, Dr. Umar Ganduje, at a North-East zonal meeting. The incident, which allegedly involved the assault of the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), has sparked sharp reactions and political commentary from both parties.
In a strongly worded statement, Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Dr. Nenadi Usman, criticized the APC’s internal crisis and drew attention to what she described as the irony of recent events.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently mocked the opposition, expressing joy at what he called our moment of disarray,” Usman said. “His remarks were not only undemocratic but revealed a troubling disregard for the principles of democratic engagement. A president who rejoices in the weakening of the opposition is, in essence, celebrating the erosion of democracy itself.”
Referring to the violent scenes at the APC’s North-East meeting, Usman described the development as “political karma” for a party that, in her words, has abandoned process and internal respect.
“This is not poetic justice—it is political karma,” she added. “What President Tinubu wished on others has come full circle. The attempt to sideline Vice President Kashim Shettima in his home region illustrates internal decay and a dangerous trend where loyalty and dignity are cast aside.”
Usman urged Nigerians to reflect on the state of governance and political conduct in the country.
“Democracy thrives not when power is hoarded, but when it is contested with responsibility and honour,” she said. “We will not gloat, but this moment should serve as a mirror to the President—a time for reflection, not celebration. Nigeria deserves leadership grounded in humility and national interest, not sabotage and suppression.”
Ganduje Reacts: ‘No Place for Violence in Politics’
Reacting to the incident, APC National Chairman Dr. Umar Ganduje, through his spokesperson, described the violence as “grievously irresponsible” and “unpatriotic.”
“There is absolutely no space for violence in Nigeria’s political arena today,” the statement said. “All party members must adhere to the principles of political decency, decorum, and civil engagement.”
Chief Oliver Okpala, Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment to the APC National Chairman, drew historical parallels, warning that such crises could destabilize the political structure as they did during the First Republic.
“This kind of recklessness mirrors the political tension that led to the collapse of the First Republic,” Okpala noted. “The National Chairman has been a unifier, working round the clock to foster peace and unity within the party.”
Okpala dismissed speculation of division between Ganduje and key government officials, saying, “His relationship with the President and Vice President is unshakeable—solid as the rock of Gibraltar.”
He also criticized party members who disrupted the meeting, ignoring Ganduje’s attempt to promote unity within the North-East, especially in light of Vice President Shettima’s origin from the region.
“What kind of politicians resort to violence instead of constructive dialogue?” he asked. “Politics should be about consultation, not conflict. This assault wasn’t just on Dr. Ganduje—it was an attack on the entire APC national leadership.”
According to Okpala, the attackers attempted to ambush Ganduje as he approached his vehicle, but were stopped by swift action from security forces, preventing further escalation.
“This brazen act must not be ignored,” he insisted. “That such a display of lawlessness occurred in the presence of state governors is an insult to our democratic norms.”
Okpala concluded with a stern warning: “Violence must never be normalized in our polity. Those behind this shameful act must return to the path of reason. Dr. Ganduje has been a consistent voice for unity; this treatment is both unacceptable and unjust.”
