APC convention: Masari describes exercise as defining moment for party

Cautions against disappointing Nigerians with implosion

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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

The chairman of the National Central Coordinating Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aminu Bello Masari, has warned ruling party members, leaders and chieftains that the forthcoming convention will be a defining moment and litmus test for the party.

The former Katsina State governor handed the warning in his remarks at the official inauguration of the 92-member central committee at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

He also cautioned the party leaders and members that they cannot afford to disappoint Nigerians looking up to the ruling party to set direction, guidance and provide leadership in the country.

“I recognise all members of this great committee whose wealth of experience and commitment will undoubtedly enrich the task ahead. The national convention of a political party is not merely a statutory requirement but a defining moment in the life of an institution,” he quipped.

“It is a platform for reflection, consolidation, renewal and recommitment to the sheer principles of the governing party, the APC. It comes with a greater responsibility to ensure that its process reflects orderliness, inclusiveness, transparency and respect for internal democracy,” he added.

Defining the responsibility, he promised to deliver a credible convention, stressing, “The task before the committee is therefore clear and to coordinate all activities leading to a peaceful, credible and successful 2026 national convention.”

“We must approach this assignment with maturity, fairness and strict adherence to the party’s constitution and guidelines. Our objectives will be to conduct a civil and free convention that will strengthen and unify our party in order to reinforce confidence in the party’s internal mechanism. We shall work closely with the National Working Committee (NWC) and all relevant organs of the party in coordination and effective delivery of the leadership and all members of our great party.

“This committee will deliver its mandate with impartiality and collective responsibility. We will consult widely and act decisively in the overall interest of the party. All Nigerians look up to the leadership of our party, and we must demonstrate that.

“We must ensure discipline in our internal affairs, and we must ensure that the ambition of others does not lead to the destruction of the party. A successful convention will not only lead to our success but unite our party, the APC,” he charged.

In his remarks, the national chairman of the party, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, claimed that the party cannot afford to fail after becoming the most viable platform to contest and win elections in the country.

He said, “The APC convention is not merely a gathering but an affirmation of the party’s democratic values, a celebration of internal democracy and a demonstration to Nigerians that the APC remains the most organised, forward-looking and viable political party anybody will stand for election with in Nigeria. That can clearly be seen by all the by-elections conducted last year and this year.”