The newly-elected National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has vowed to promote the party’s unity and increase the number of executive and legislative seats.

Ganduje stated that internal democracy would be strictly adhered to under his leadership, adding that reforms would be carried out in the APC in alignment with the current political landscape.

The former governor of Kano State said this after his election at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, August 3, 2023.

He also vowed to ensure a level playing field for all APC members that want to contest elections under the party’s platform, adding that the party’s primary elections would be free, transparent, and fair.

Ganduje said: “With boundless gratitude for the confidence placed in me by leaders and members of our party, and with an unswerving resolve to honour that trust, I humbly accept my appointment as the Chairman of our party, the APC.

“I am deeply touched and inspired by the generous words of congratulations and encouragement I have been receiving and wish to extend my deepest respect and appreciation to all the leaders and member for their strong support.

“Our main focus will be promoting party unity and defending and increasing the number of executive and legislative seats we currently hold.

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“Under my watch, internal democracy will be strictly adhered to with a deliberate policy to engage in wider consultations and making party functional throughout the year.

“More reforms will be carried out in the party in alignment with the current political landscape

“We all agreed that we must unite our members to achieve support for our government to respond adequately, urgently and assertively” to the challenges that Nigerians confront on a daily basis.

“The challenges include unemployment, poverty, insecurity, social cohesion and the rising cost of living.

“I want to make a special appeal to Nigerians to bear with the President at this trying moment, considering that the country’s economy had been in shambles for years.

“I belief the policies and programmes to be unveiled by Mr. President when his administration fully takes shape, will surely turn around things for the better.

“Our party must remain rooted among the people, must demonstrate a willingness to serve and make sacrifices, and must be willing to acknowledge and address our weaknesses.

“It’s a huge privilege and an honour and a great responsibility to take on this job and I will do it with everything I have to the best of my ability for my party and my country.

“We will ensure a level playing field for all party members that want to contest elections under the party’s platform. Our primary elections would be free, transparent, and fair.

“Let me also use this opportunity to call on members of our party and all the people of Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states to close ranks and ensure that the APC wins in the forthcoming governorship elections.”

Ganduje, therefore, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and commitment to the ideals of the ruling party just as he expressed his appreciation to Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House Representatives, Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas, and other leaders of the party.

The Star