APC NEC: The party has responsibility to promote unity, stability, love; Tinubu admonishes
..as Ganduje, Ajibola emerges N/Chairman, N/Sec respectively
By Tom Okpe
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that the ruling Party, All Progressives Congress, (APC) has a responsibility to promote unity, stability and love among members stressing that this will enable the fulfillment of the founding fathers’ dream.
He said 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.”
Tinubu, in his maiden speech at the party’s National Executive Committee, (NEC) meeting on Thursday at the Transcorp Hotel, Abuja said: “This is my first address as President to NEC after the 2023 victory.
“I join the acting National Chairman to celebrate today and congratulate all of you and to say thank you for all you have done.
“Permit me, to equally say congratulations to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker, Rep Tajudeen Abbas and the entire National Assembly leadership for the way they conducted their affairs, thus far and the promise of the future.
“All elected leaders of our party, old and new, you have all gone through a process. It is divine will of God that we are here, to win the majority, both in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
“We have to fulfill our dreams, and dreams of our founding fathers.”
He recalled in the 11th meeting of 20th April, 2022 when the then NEC, led by former President Muhammadu Buhari, devolved some powers to the NWC in accordance to the party’s constitution and to among other things, organize our party’s primary.
“I’m happy that the National Working Committee, (NWC) has fulfilled these responsibilities assigned to them faithfully.
“Let me commend them and once again say, congratulations.
“To be sure that Nigeria remains the focal point of our domestic and foreign policies, you are 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.
“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 moving ahead.
“I have submitted Ministerial list to senate for screening and approval. We are in the process of establishing, fully, 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 addressed 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 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 and not to punish the people.”
To the International community, he said; “I sent a message to Europe and America yesterday. To our partners, I ask how can you handle a barking 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 vie from the path, posterity will not forgive us.
“So, ladies and gentlemen let us take a few items on our plates, vote the National Chairman and Secretary while we devolve some powers to NWC to fill the others after consultation. Let us do what we can today,” he added.
However, after voting as directed by President Tinubu, immediate passed Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje emerged as National Chairman of the Party and Ajibola Basiru as National Secretary, following a motion moved by members at the NEC meeting.
Ganduje and Basiru were subsequently sworn into office immediately, in the presence of President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, among other members of the party at the NEC meeting.
Also in attendance were State Governors, past National Executive members of the party and State Chairmen and many other members.
Ganduje replaced former Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Adamu, while Basiru replaces Iyiola Omisore.
Adamu and Omisore voluntarily resigned their respective positions, two weeks ago following dissatisfaction of the presidency and Tinubu loyalists with their positions on some matters concerning the party.
In his acceptance speech, Ganduje promised to ensure internal democracy within the party while sustaining and expanding number of elected positions secured by the party in the last general elections.
He also pledged to evolve a scientific database of registered members of the party, and manage conflicts, effectively.
He said: “Our party must remain rooted among the people. We must demonstrate willingness to serve and make sacrifices, and must be willing to acknowledge and address our weaknesses,” promising that the party will have the masses as its focus under his leadership.
He urged party faithful in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States’ to close ranks ahead of the forthcoming governorship elections this year.
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The National Chairman pledged to administer the party with integrity and transparency.
In his remarks, Chairman of the APC Governors’ known as the Progressives Governors Forum, (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, condemned what he termed, blackmail against the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) and incitement of Nigerians against the party, by opposition parties using false narratives and reports.
He moved a motion for vote of confidence on INEC, which was overwhelmingly adopted by NEC meeting.
