Indication has emerged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) might shift its local council and state congresses billed for the end of the month.
Chairman of the party’s Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Mai Mala Buni, dropped the hint yesterday while inaugurating the ward congress appeal committee in Abuja.
It was learned that APC is yet to receive a report on the ward congresses held in 12 states, just as disgruntled faithful from 14 states had filed petitions against the exercise.
Buni, who charged members of the panel on fairness, reminded them that their findings would determine when the local council and state congresses are holding.
Represented by the secretary, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, the CECPC chair insisted that the July 31, 2021 ward congresses “went substantially well,” adding that it was incumbent on the party to address the issues raised by aggrieved members.
Buni pleaded with stalwarts to treat the matter as a family affair, noting that differences should be handled with the understanding that no dispute is worth the destruction of the party.
He continued: “However, it is expected that where ever and whenever there’s a competition, there is bound to be contestations.
“Therefore, as an organisation based on rules and procedures, channels must be provided for party members, who are dissatisfied with the processes, to ventilate their grievances through an internal mechanism, hence this Wards Congresses Appeals Committee in the circumstance.
“This party is for all Nigerians. Therefore, we must show, not only by words but also by concrete actions, that there’s no attempt to exclude or sideline anybody in the course of the exercise. This is very fundamental, not only to the CECPC but for the preservation of the very essence of the party.”
Buni advised: “Your actions in this wise will help engender cohesion, build trust and confidence in this all-important exercise.
“Today (yesterday), you have been entrusted with one of the most solemn obligations of citizenship, which is to deepen our democratisation process and strengthen the polity.”
“You all were carefully selected based on your proven records. We trust in your strength of character, your integrity, and your capacity to be fair in your dealings to those who approach your committees.”
He thereby charged members of the appeal committee to adhere to the dictates of the party guidelines and constitution in the discharge of their duties.
(The Guardian)
