National chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has said that the date for the national convention of the party was fixed to May 14 because of the Muslim Fasting that is likely to begin within that week.
The chairman, who spoke while inaugurating the 68-member Convention Committee in Abuja yesterday, reminded members of the committee that they were undertaking what he called a “tough and heavy task,” even as he advised them to produce a free, fair and credible convention.
“I have no doubt that this one, given the controversies that have preceded it will also be a most watched convention. So, you have the task of producing a convention that is free, fair and provide a level playing field for anybody who wants to aspire to any position.
“At the end of this exercise, I want to see a reunited APC under whatever leadership your exercise brings up. We have a tough election ahead of us and we must prime ourselves for that election.”
The Chairman of the National Convention Committee, Governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State, reiterated the resolution of the last National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that the current zoning arrangements for party positions be retained.
He said that the details on the list of delegates for the National Convention would be provided after the congresses scheduled to commence on May 2, 2018.
On whether the committee would give any room for consensus and affirmation apart from casting of ballots, Governor Badaru said, “It depends on the situation. Our constitution allows consensus. You are all aware. If there is consensus, we will do it. But we will still cast votes to affirm the consensus that we have done.”
Governor Badaru said that the committee would not fail the party. “We will do all it takes to come out stronger and united out of that convention” he said.
“God is with us and God will continue to support us because of our clear vision, our good heart and our love for the people of Nigeria. We all know that our leader has no business in running this government except for the care of our people.
“Most of us you see in APC are in the party today to serve our people. Our mission in APC is to rescue the country from near collapse we saw around 2014 and 2015.
“With that heart and with mind, we believe that God will support us, help us to come out stronger and re-dedicate ourselves to the service of humanity and our people. Mr Chairman, be rest assured that with the people you see here you can go and sleep. I am very sure that we will come out stronger, united and there will be transparency and accountability.
The inauguration was attended by key stakeholders in the APC, including governors Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa), Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), former governors Danjuma Goje (Gombe), Sani Yerima (Zamfara), Sen. Ken Nnamani, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje; Mrs. Paulin Tallen, and Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege among others.
