Tom Garba
In a revealing and candid interview with TG News, Dr. Umar D. Duhu, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, addressed contentious claims made by Mr. Vitalis Ajumbe regarding the All Progressives Congress (APC) merger and the current trajectory of the party.
Dr. Duhu, whose illustrious career spans decades of leadership, brings unparalleled insight as the former Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Adamawa State, the Pioneer National Vice Chairman North East of the APC, and the current Federal Commissioner representing the North East Zone at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCPT).
His extensive experience and commitment to public service make him a authoritative voice on the matters at hand.
The interview, conducted by Mr. Tom Garba, CEO of TG News, was prompted by Ajumbe’s recent public statements, which criticized the APC’s formation and accused the party of fostering a one-party state while alleging marginalization of the ANPP during the merger process.
Ajumbe’s claims are baseless and self-serving. He lacked the standing to comment on the merger process.
Dr. Duhu’s responses were direct, aiming to “set the records straight” and counter what he described as misinformation.
Dr. Duhu began by categorically dismissing his claim that the ANPP was sidelined by former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu during the 2013 APC merger, which brought together the ANPP, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
“Ajumbe’s claims are baseless and self-serving,” Dr. Duhu asserted, emphasizing that Ajumbe lacked the standing to comment on the merger process.
He was never part of the merger negotiations and has no knowledge of the agreements reached
He pointed out that Ajumbe defected from the ANPP to the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) just as the merger was being finalized and later switched to the Labour Party ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
“He was never part of the merger negotiations and has no knowledge of the agreements reached,” Dr. Duhu stated. As a key figure in the ANPP and APC during the merger, Dr. Duhu was directly involved in shaping the party’s formation, lending weight to his rebuttal.
He described Ajumbe’s accusations against Buhari and Tinubu as “the greatest insult on our revered leaders,” accusing him of disrespect and disloyalty to the APC. Dr. Duhu called for Ajumbe to be held accountable for what he termed “reckless utterances” that undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s leadership.
Dr. Duhu further criticized Ajumbe’s political trajectory, arguing that his frequent party-switching reflects a prioritization of personal interests over party loyalty and national unity.
“His defections from one party to another demonstrate a lack of commitment and loyalty, which are essential qualities for any politician,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of steadfastness in political leadership.
Turning to his criticisms of President Tinubu’s administration, which highlighted issues of insecurity, corruption, and economic hardship, Dr. Duhu labelled the remarks as “unfair and biased.” He argued that Ajumbe’s credibility is undermined by his history of political inconsistency.
His defections from one party to another demonstrate a lack of commitment and loyalty, which are essential qualities for any politician
“As a politician who has switched parties multiple times, he lacks the credibility to criticize a progressive leader,” Dr. Duhu stated.
He defended Tinubu’s record, noting that the administration, less than 24 months into its tenure, has undertaken significant reforms to address Nigeria’s challenges. Dr. Duhu highlighted key achievements, including substantial investments in infrastructure, such as road construction, the introduction of a student loan scheme to enhance access to education, and efforts to improve the nation’s power supply.
“These efforts demonstrate the administration’s great commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians,” he said, urging patience as the reforms take root. He emphasized that judging Tinubu’s performance so early, given the complexity of Nigeria’s challenges, is premature and overlooks the administration’s proactive measures.
Dr. Duhu also addressed Ajumbe’s assertion that the APC is steering Nigeria toward a one-party state, calling the claim “ridiculous.” He argued that the APC’s openness to members from diverse backgrounds reflects its commitment to democratic principles.
“The APC is a democratic party that welcomes members from all walks of life,” he said, pointing to the voluntary nature of defections to the APC as evidence of Nigeria’s vibrant multiparty democracy.
He cited Ajumbe’s own history of moving between parties as a testament to the freedom of political association in Nigeria. “None of those defecting to the APC were coerced; they did so voluntarily. This is democracy in action,” Dr. Duhu declared.
The APC is a democratic party that welcomes members from all walks of life
He further highlighted the APC’s internal democratic processes, where members are encouraged to participate actively in decision-making, as evidence of the party’s commitment to pluralism and inclusivity.
In a direct message to Ajumbe and his supporters, Dr. Duhu urged them to prioritize national unity over divisive rhetoric. “I urge him and all those whose confidence he commands to focus more of their energy on issues that will unite the nation rather than spreading misinformation and propaganda,” he said.
He cautioned politicians to be mindful of their words and actions, warning that baseless claims can damage reputations and erode public trust in leadership.
I urge Ajumbe and all those whose confidence he commands to focus more of their energy on issues that will unite the nation rather than spreading misinformation and propaganda
Dr. Duhu emphasized that Nigeria’s leaders, including President Tinubu, are focused on governance that ensures inclusivity and progress for all citizens. “They are occupied with positing ideas on how to govern Nigeria better, ensuring everyone has a sense of belonging to thrive,” he said.
He called for a collective effort to move beyond “petty politics and personal interests” and work toward a unified vision for Nigeria’s future. “As a nation, we must prioritize unity and progress over division, for ourselves and generations yet unborn,” he added.
As a nation, we must prioritize unity and progress over division, for ourselves and generations yet unborn
Dr. Duhu’s responses reflect his deep-rooted commitment to public service and his firsthand experience in Nigeria’s political landscape.
As the former ANPP Chairman in the FCT and Adamawa State, he played a pivotal role in strengthening the party’s presence in those regions. His tenure as the Pioneer National Vice Chairman North East of the APC was instrumental in expanding the party’s influence in the North East, contributing to its success as a national political force. Now, as Federal Commissioner at the CCPT, Dr. Duhu continues to serve the nation, ensuring accountability and ethical governance in public office.
Dr. Umar D. Duhu’s exclusive interview with TG News offers a compelling counterpoint to recent criticisms of the APC and its leadership. His authoritative perspective, grounded in years of political leadership, dismantles claims of marginalization, defends the Tinubu administration’s reforms, and reaffirms the APC’s democratic credentials.
By calling for unity and responsible political discourse, Dr. Duhu sets a tone of constructive engagement, urging Nigerians to rally behind efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive nation. As the country navigates complex challenges, voices like Dr. Duhu’s remind us of the importance of integrity, loyalty, and a shared commitment to progress.
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