A former national vice chairman (North East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Umar Duhu, has described the party’s slim victory in the Ganye state constituency by-election in Adamawa State as a “remarkable achievement.”
He urged the party members to see it as a signal to prepare for more intense political contests ahead.
In a statement he issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, Duhu congratulated the newly elected lawmaker, Hon. Misa Musa Jauro, APC supporters, the people of Ganye and the broader Adamawa community for what he called a “well-earned success.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Hon. Jauro the winner of the closely contested by-election, securing 15,923 votes against the 15,794 garnered by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate – a narrow victory margin of 129 votes.
Duhu highlighted the race’s competitiveness as a reflection of the party’s strength and the evolving political landscape, cautioning APC members against complacency.
“This slim margin serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done, and we must continue to strive for excellence,” he said. “The people of Ganye have once again entrusted us with their mandate, building on the confidence they showed in us during the 2023 polls.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Dr Duhu called on party leaders and members to consolidate their gains, resolve internal differences, and remain committed to the party’s ideals and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“I urge all party leaders and members who contributed to this success to recognise that this is not a time for complacency. Instead, it is a call to action… to ensure that we replicate this success and achieve even greater heights in 2027.”
He warned that the journey to the next general elections would be filled with challenges and stressed the importance of unity within the APC to withstand political turbulence.
“Only through cohesion and camaraderie will we be able to weather the storms of 2027 and beyond,” Dr Duhu said, encouraging the party to use the Ganye victory as a rallying point for unity and renewed commitment.
Dr Duhu also appealed for humility in victory, urging APC members to avoid taunting opponents and instead extend goodwill to all participants in the democratic process.
“This by-election victory is a testament to the APC’s enduring appeal and the confidence that the people of Ganye have in our party,” he said. “Let us build on this momentum to ensure our party remains a beacon of hope, unity, and progress for our nation.”
