On Saturday, June 29, stakeholders and delegates of the United Kingdom (UK) Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) elected its executive body that would steer the ship of the party in UK for the next four years.
In his opening remarks at the election, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Dr Bonat Dauda, said the efforts put into organizing the congress could not be brushed under the carpet.
He stated that the local organising committee, under his leadership did its best to prepare the ground for a free and fair election that would represent the wishes of all the delegates and stakeholders of the party.
“I am proud to say that we have worked tirelessly to bring this event to life. Our team has put in countless hours to ensure that this congress not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to members of the local organizing committee, all our volunteers, sponsors, and partners for their unwavering support and dedication.
“I am confident that our time here will be both productive and inspiring. The whole process will lead to concrete actions that will drive positive change, Dr Dauda stated as he opened the platform for the process.
Shortly after, the NWC-led by Senator Basiru gave insights into the process of the election.
Basiru also maintained that the job of the NWC officials was to organise and monitor the election process, ensure that the election was free and fair and also reflect the overall wishes of the delegates.
The elections were held peacefully. It was a very transparent process that was devoid of any rancour. All the 28 newly- elected members of the Executive got overwhelming victory at the congress.
Senator Basiru, who spoke after the election, said the successful process was a reflection of the APC’s strong values for justice, fairness and transparency.
“I want to state it categorically that our party, the APC is better prepared and equipped when elections that were held within the party thoroughly reflect the wishes of the people and that is what has actually happened here today, he stated.
He charged the newly- elected chairman, Tunde Doherty, that leadership is about service, urging him to ensure that the APC UK becomes the leading ambassador of the party in the diaspora.
In his acceptance speech, Hon Tunde Doherty expressed gratitude to the delegates for their votes. He also thanked the APC chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, National Secretary, Dr Ajibola Basiru, SA on Policy and Strategy to the Chairman, Chief Omoniyi Akinsiji and other members, and the APC leaders for conducting a fair and credible election.
He stated further that the huge and overwhelming support he and other members of the executive got from the delegates that elected them showed the general acceptability of the leadership of the party in the UK.
While acknowledging that leadership is a team work, he pledged to ensure the involvement of members in activities of the party.
Apart from the chairman, other elected officials are Deputy Chairman North – Dr. Bonat Dauda, Deputy Chairman South, Olumuyiwa Adesua, Secretary, Chief Momoh Yusuf Obaro, Deputy Secretary, Ayokunle Agunbiade, Woman Leader, Susan Jegunmah, Deputy Woman Leader, Hajia Mariam Muazu, Youth Leader, Hajia Sekinat Adams, Deputy Youth Leader, Hon. Tunmise Ajiboye, Financial Secretary, Bernard Doro, Deputy Financial Secretary, Alhaji Ganiyu Adejumo, Treasurer, Yemi Kolawole-Taiwo, Deputy Treasurer, Hon. Abimbola Fasanu, Welfare Secretary, Dr Cal Amayo, Deputy Welfare Secretary – Ambassador Jamila Zanna Muhammad, Organizing Secretary, Dr Mustapha Bello, and Deputy Organizing Secretary, Dr. Adeleye Jasper Elisha.
The rest include auditor, Babatunde S Hamzat; Deputy auditor, Dr. Elfreda Onunkwo; legal adviser, Adegboyega Ajibade, deputy, Dr. Jude U Erika; Publicity Secretary, Tunde Ajisola, and Vincent Akin Williams – Deputy Publicity Secretary.
Ayorinde Amoko was elected leader of people living with disability, with Olufunmilayo Adesanya as deputy. Chief Adekemi Kalejaiye, Dr. Justus Timothy Yusuf, and Dr Charles Orjiakor, were elected ex-officio members of the executives.
Publicity secretary, Tunde Ajisola, said the new exco would work together in ensuring that the APC UK becomes the toast of all other groups in the diaspora.
“Now that we have a full house as members of the APC UK executive, we look forward to a future that is filled with promise and progress under the leadership of our amiable leader, Hon. Tunde Doherty. His dedication and vision will undoubtedly guide us towards achieving our collective goals. His leadership qualities, strategic vision, and ability to unite and inspire people have been evident throughout his career. As chairman, he has also outlined a clear and ambitious vision for APC UK and his priorities are to strengthen party unity, commitment to fostering a spirit of inclusiveness and collaboration within our party and also ensuring that all members feel valued and heard, he said.
Following his swearing in, the new chairman constituted a three-man committee to reconcile aggrieved members, including those that deliberately stayed away from the congress.
Chairman Emeritus of APC UK, Dr. Philip Idaewor would chair the committee which had Tokunbo Olunloyo, the Coordinator APC UK Women Professional Council and Alhaji Dapo Ayoola as members.