… Assures internal democracy, will be strictly adhered to under his watch
… Tinubu tells Ganduje to fulfill party dreams for Nigeria to remains focal point of domestic, foreign policies
By Joy Odor
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected the former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, as the National Chairman of the party.
The party also elected former Senate spokesman, Ajibola Basiru, as National Secretary at the 12th NEC meeting of the party held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, Ganduje informed that the under my watch, internal democracy will be strictly adhered to with a deliberate policy to engage in wider consultations and making party functional throughout the year.
The former Kano governor added that reforms would be carried out in the party in alignment with the current political landscape.
The APC Chairman maintained that he would unite the members to achieve support for the government to respond adequately, urgently and assertively” to the challenges that Nigerians confront on a daily basis.
The challenges include unemployment, poverty, insecurity, social cohesion and the rising cost of living.
Ganduje appealed to Nigerians to bear with the President at the trying moment, considering that the country’s economy had been in shambles for years, believing the policies and programmes to be unveiled by Mr. President when his administration fully takes shape, will surely turn around things for the better.
He promised to ensure a level playing field for all party members that want to contest elections under the party’s platform. “Our primary elections would be free, transparent and fair” He assured.
“I am deeply touched and inspired by the generous words of congratulations and encouragement I have been receiving and wish to extend my deepest respect and appreciation to all the leaders and member for their strong support”.
“Under my watch, internal democracy will be strictly adhered to with a deliberate policy to engage in wider consultations and making party functional throughout the year”. He said
“More reforms will be carried out in the party in alignment with the current political landscape.
” We all agreed that we must unite our members to achieve support for our government to respond adequately, urgently and assertively” to the challenges that Nigerians confront on a daily basis. The challenges include unemployment, poverty, insecurity, social cohesion and the rising cost of living.
“Our party must remain rooted among the people, must demonstrate a willingness to serve and make sacrifices, and must be willing to acknowledge and address our weaknesses”. He said.
“It’s a huge privilege and an honour and a great responsibility to take on this job and I will do it with everything I have to the best of my ability for my party and my country.
“Let me also use this opportunity to call on members of our party and all the people of Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states to close ranks and ensure that the APC wins in the forthcoming governorship elections”, he noted.
Earlier in his speech, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu told Ganduje to fulfill the party dreams and the dreams of the founding fathers to ensure that Nigeria remains the focal point of the domestic and foreign policies.
He reminded the leadership of APC that the party has a responsibility to promote unity, stability and love among ourselves, “As the drivers of the party, when we have all other passengers, the drivers and co passenger must not fall asleep and the break working. Party loyalty becomes very important.
“All the elected leaders of our party, old and new, you have all gone through a process. It is the divine will of God that we are all here. To win the majority both in the Senate, house of representatives. I recalled in the 11th meeting of 20th April, 2022 when the national executive committee of the party devolved some powers to the NWC in accordance to the party’s constitution.
To among other things organize our party’s primary, I’m happy that the NWC has fulfilled these responsibilities assigned to them faithfully. Let me commend them and once again say congratulations.
I know election is just a step in the process, good governance is another one. We have gotten the trophy the president is standing before you and the reward for hardwork is more work.
Yes we are facing challenges in the court but I think this is the most credible election in Nigeria. So, we must congratulate ourselves. As a democrat, those who cannot accept the results of a free and fair election do not deserve the joy of victory.
There are governance issues and we are taking it heads on, we must oil the wheel, grease it and we are. I have submitted ministerial list to senate for screening and approval. We are in the process of establishing fully the government of the people, for the people and by the people.
I can see a number of my friends here and you have not been able to see me. It is what you all fought for to bring me here, we have governance issues and you will not see me often as you want to.
Nigeria is going through some issues and I have sufficiently address it in my broadcast and the acting national chairman also spoke about it in his address. We will face it squarely to reengineer the economy of this country. We must find a way to satisfy the yearnings of the common man and we must ensure that all the policies we roll out work for the common man. Our policies are for the people not to punish the people.
To the International community, I sent a message to Europe and America yesterday. To our partners, I ask how can you handle a barking dog and mad dog and prevent a barking dog from eating from the plate of your enemy. We are hungry and the continent depends on Nigeria. We need help but not at the expense of our joy, peace and happiness.
The party is in your hand, let us redirect this party. Let us show the rest of the country that we are united for a purpose and if we via from the path posterity will not forgive us.
So, ladies and gentlemen let us take a few items on our plates, vote the chairman and secretary while we devolve some powers to NWC to fill the others after consultation. Let us do what we can today” Tinubu said.
