The Community Association for Grassroots Transformation (CAGRAT) has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to return the party’s national chairmanship position to the North Central zone.
The association made the appeal during its maiden Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting held in Abuja on Monday, following the resignation of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje as APC National Chairman.
Ganduje, who hails from the North West, stepped down on Friday, citing health reasons and a need to focus on his personal well-being.
Speaking after the meeting, CAGRAT’s President General, Alhaji Muhammad Dagachi, welcomed the development, describing Ganduje’s exit as a chance to restore equity within the party.
“I’m very happy about it. And without mincing words, that position was not for Ganduje from the North West. According to the principles of voting in Nigeria, that position was initially reserved for the North Central,” Dagachi said.
“When Sen. Abdullahi Adamu resigned, we expected the position to remain in the North Central. Unfortunately, it did not happen. Now that he has resigned, I think it is a good omen. It is an opportunity for us to reclaim what belongs to us.”
Dagachi explained that CAGRAT is committed to Nigeria’s unity and development, starting with Nupe land, and places emphasis on grassroots political participation, accountability, and awareness.
“Our cardinal principles are to mobilise, sensitise grassroots people to register to vote and ensure they elect the right leaders,” he said.
He outlined the association’s structure, which includes a Grand Patron, His Royal Highness, the Etsu of Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, along with a Council of Patrons, a Board of Trustees, and several working committees.
Dagachi said the BOT meeting examined Nigeria’s current socio-political climate and emphasised the importance of holding elected representatives accountable.
“We just did a broad-based discussion and some appraisals of the existing political structure. It is the responsibility of the people to enforce responsibilities on their elected representatives. The lack of that enforcement is why our democracy is not productive,” he said.
He noted that CAGRAT has embarked on several grassroots sensitisation activities, including local assemblies, media engagement, and public summits designed to politically educate and empower the Nupe community.
“This is a continuous effort, not just about 2027. We believe democracy is constructive and requires work. Sadly, many people are passive and only wait to benefit from the outcomes without contributing to the process,” he added.
Dagachi concluded by saying the group’s goal is to help Nigerians see democracy as a process that must be nurtured for it to become truly meaningful and productive.
(NAN)