By Joy Odor
Senator Tanko Al-Makura has described himself as democrat and a believer in inclusive politics which allows people to exercise their franchise by voting the candidates of their choice.
Senator Al-makura who is the Former Governor of Nasarawa State and All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship aspirant stated this in Abuja APC headquarters while addressing journalists after the submission of his nomination forms kick against the consensus option in choosing the next leader of the ruling party.
He opined to support an open-door policy, internal party democracy with full participation of members so that they will have a sense of belonging and determine the fate and direction of the party.
Senator Al-makura promised to relate with all legislators from Senate up to counsellor so that together they can give the country that desired leadership that will enhance deep seated democracy in the system.
The former Nassarawa State Governor, informed that he will give a leadership that it is guided by the Constitution of the Republic of Nigeria, and the constitution of APC, saying his experience in the field of politics will come handy.
“The success of this project starts from one’s compliance with the directives and guidelines of our great party. I’m here to show my respect and deference to the leadership of the party, by complying with the regulations and guidelines that will make the process of the emergence of leaders of this party free, fair and credible.
Having said that, I am motivated to contest for this office for two reasons. One, as one that has been opportune by providence to be around and holding a position as governor when the party was being merged. I knew and I still know how much sacrifices great men and women made to ensure of the birth of APC.
“I know the contributions, the efforts. Those efforts are in order to consolidate and solidify the unity of this country. This merger is not just a mere accord, or alliance. It is a merger of conscience, a merger of philosophy, a merger of ideology, a merger of ideas, all in the quest to make Nigeria great. People from the north, east, south and west, with different parties and tendencies come together to assume one united, harmonious, mutual focus and unity as Nigerians.
“With I’m bringing to the table according to your question. You see my motivation is for national unity and cohesion. What am I going to do what do I have to fasttrack or preside over this process, because there’ll be no government, if there is no party, a formidable party.
“I believe all my pedigree as past experiences should be brought to bear to ensure that this party is formidable, formidable in the sense that we should have a leadership that will be sincere, honest, and be fair to everyone.
“A leadership that will ensure that it is guided by the Constitution of the Republic of Nigeria, and the constitution of our party. My experience in the field of politics, which I believe will come handy, at this point in time, is the fact that I was a youth leader. And if you see the population of APC, it is populated by majority of the youth. Even though I’m about 70, I am youth at heart, because I’ve been a youth leader; a youth leader as NUNS executive in 1974, a youth leader as MP and youth leader in plateau. So I know the terrain and the mindset of youths.
“With regard to women, amongst those that advocates the forefront to advocate for affirmative action. So I am very good, comfortable environment with the women. You can see that they are surrounding me.
What I’m bringing to the table is my experience, as party official, my experience as a youth and my expereince as a friend to the gender of female. My experience as governor of Nasarawa state for eight years has afforded me the opportunity to know the dynamics of administration. So I will be very amenable with the governors because we’ll be on the same page.
“So also the legislators who make the laws for this country, by the special grace of God, I’m a Senator. And I will relate with all legislators from Senate up to counsellor so that together we can give this country that desired leadership that will enhance deep seated democracy in the system.
*Which of the systems of choice will you like for the APC to use: Direct, indirect or consensus?*
” You see , I’m a Democrat. Our party constitution has given three procedures for emergence of leadership, direct, indirect, and consensus. But I can tell you, the best option is that which allows franchise and permission for everyone to participate in the exercise. I will support an open-door policy, internal party democracy with full participation of members so that they will have a sense of belonging and determine the fate and direction of the party. Thank you.
