There seems to be a temporary cessation of political hostilities in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as its chairman, caretaker/extraordinary convention planning committee (CECPC) and governor of Yobe State, Mr. Mala Buni, today announced February 26 as date for the party’s national convention.
Recall that since 2020, the APC has been unable to hold its national convention and elect new officers since its former leadership, led by Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, was sacked in 2020.
The party has since been led by an interim management committee headed by Buni.
Speaking at the APC Progressive Women Conference held in Abuja, Buni said the party, which has had over 40 million members, was set for its first national convention since 2020.
“Today, APC parades over 41 million registered members, asserting our position as Africa’s largest political party and of course, Nigeria’s leading political party.
“With these, we are confident of winning the 2023 general election with huge success.
“We look forward to having more women contesting in the forthcoming national convention of the party from February 26, 2022 and the general election.”
He said women in the APC play a key role in the success of the party’s recent membership drive.
“The party under my stewardship conducted membership registration and revalidation exercise. We found it expedient to constitute a special committee on women and youth before the commencement of the exercise. The roles you played made the membership registration and revalidation a huge success.
“I want to use this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your support to the party, before during and after the exercise. I also look forward to your more support during the convention and indeed the general election.
“I’m proud to add that APC is the most women-friendly party in Nigeria. Let me also assure you that the party shall reciprocate this gesture by supporting women and youth in their political aspirations and realising their political dreams.
“Now as we approach the convention and move closer to the next general election, I wish to remind you of the progressive roles in supporting progressive-minded leaders, aspiring for various offices for the betterment of our country,” he said
In his remarks, the governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, called for the support of the female members of the party ahead of the convention.
“Without our women, we have no future. We have no present or past. We have a duty and responsibility to improve on solidarity that we give the women of our country,” the governor said.
“We are not doing them a favour. If you have worked with women, they deliver. My women commissioners are the best commissioners.
“I have no doubt that this conference will give us a lot to chew on. We should make it a policy convention.”
