The freshly appointed National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, is confronted with a significant challenge as he readies the party for the forthcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.

In accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the governorship elections in the three states for November 11, 2023.

Upon succeeding Abdullahi Adamu as the APC National Chairman, Ganduje pledged to secure victories for the party in these states' governorship elections.

However, Ganduje's elevation to the position of APC National Chairman has raised concerns among party leaders who doubt the wisdom of the decision.

The former APC Northwest National Vice Chairman, Salihu Lukman, expressed his concerns, stating that Ganduje's leadership might lead to the party's downfall.

Lukman emphasized, "If the maneuvering to have Dr. Ganduje emerge as the next National Chairman of APC is successful, with all the legal and ethical questions, it could spell the destruction of our party. Unfortunately, this could also harm the popularity of President Tinubu and other elected representatives."

Doubts about Ganduje's ability to secure victories in the governorship elections for Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states stem from his inability to secure an APC victory in Kano State's 2023 gubernatorial election as the outgoing governor.

In that election, the candidate of the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP), Abba Kabir Yusuf, triumphed over APC's candidate Gawuna.

The task of clinching victory in Bayelsa is complicated by internal disputes within the APC's state chapter, triggered by Timipre Sylva's selection as the party's gubernatorial candidate for the November 11 election.

The emergence of Sylva led to a split among his supporters, generating turmoil within the party.

Sylva is grappling with several legal challenges, which cast uncertainty on the APC's prospects of success in the governorship election.

Conversely, despite the internal turmoil, the APC remains a strong contender in Imo State. The current governor, Hope Uzodinma, will seek reelection in the November 11 poll.

To enhance the party's position, Uzodinma replaced his deputy, Placid Njoku, with Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaro.

In Kogi State, the APC's trajectory appears robust, with outgoing governor Yahaya Bello's determination to ensure Usman Ododo, the party's governorship nominee, succeeds him.

However, Ododo faces the risk of disqualification from the race ahead of November 11 due to a challenge filed by an APC gubernatorial aspirant, Abubakar Achimugu. Achimugu argues that Ododo failed to resign from his position within the Kogi State public service 30 days before participating in the gubernatorial primary election.

While the APC could face substantial opposition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) during the governorship election, Bello's political resilience and his close relationship with President Bola Tinubu could significantly influence Ododo's prospects.

Yekini Nabena, a former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, stressed the importance of Ganduje's efforts to unite the party before the November 11 elections. Nabena emphasized the need for Ganduje to address internal grievances and promote reconciliation among party members.

Nabena stated, "Ganduje must bring together estranged factions and work in tandem with the President to foster understanding. A united front is essential. Promises should be sincere and achievable, as unfulfilled promises contribute to challenges."

He added, "Ganduje's ability to foster unity hinges on his collaboration with the President. Effective leadership arises from a shared vision and action."