Congress: APC Opts For Consensus Arrangements To Pick New Leaders

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged all stakeholders of the party to encourage consensus arrangements during the congresses of the party.

The congresses commence on July 31. It was earlier scheduled to begin on July 24.

National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Sen. John James Akpan Udoedehe at a meeting with the State Caretaker Chairmen at Buhari House, National Secretariat on Friday said the consensus arrangement was preferred by the leadership of the party to avoid rancorous outcome.

He added: “This is a family affair. It is also a constitutional provision in our party.”

Akpan Udoedehe described the congresses as very important for the progress of the party. “And we must get it right,” he added.

The secretary noted that the party depends on the state chairmen to ensure the success of the exercise.

ALSO READ: FAAC Shares N733.095Bn Revenue To FG, States, LGs For June

He warned that no hoarding of forms shall be tolerated, while the selection of Local organizing Committees and ad hoc officials should be done in consultation with all the stakeholders in each state.

Akpan Udoedehe praised the state chairmen for the way the affairs of the party are being handled, especially with the membership registration and peace-building.

“Although, there are some of the states that we’ve received complaints over the handling of the registration exercise, we shall not generalise it and we’ll see how to prevent it from happening in this context,” he added.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the leadership he has been showing in steering the ship of the party and the nation despite the many challenges.

“The grit of a leader becomes established when a nation faces difficult times and our dear President has shown unparalleled leadership in the face of global economic downturn, low revenues and artificial insecurity.

“He deserves our utmost support as he continues in building infrastructures despite the circumstances. Just yesterday, he carried out the groundbreaking for the Kano-Kaduna rail project. The inclusion of many Nigerians in the social safety net is also worthy of our commendation,” he said.

He also commended the National Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the party, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, describing him as focused, calm and collected.

He said: “Within a short period of time, under his leadership, the party has recorded fundamental achievements which persons may have thought impossible.

“The membership registration has been a huge success. We have won off-cycle elections in 99% of the states/Constituencies that came up. The constitution review exercise of our party is done and dusted.

“Peace has returned to the party, and this has enhanced the growth of the party. The party has grown from strength to strength, this is evident by the coming of three governors into our party, former governors and former speakers of the House of Representatives, serving and non-serving senators, etc. And more are coming.”

Chairman, Forum of APC state Caretaker Chairmen and Caretaker Chairman in Borno State, Ali Bukar Dalori in remarks on behalf of his colleagues, expressed satisfaction of the Forum with the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led CECPC.

Dalori particularly commended the successful implementation of the CECPC’s mandate to bring peace, reconciliation and reposition the party.