Apparently, in a bid to assume the status of the largest party in Africa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has revealed plans to establish functional offices in all the 8,813 wards across the country.
The move, according to the governing party, was to also bring symbolic representation close to the people.
The party also hinted that it was at the concluding stage of establishing a National Institute of Progressive Study.
This, the APC said, was in line with its belief that progressivism as a political ideology can be deployed to improve the lives of millions of Nigerians and improve society through appropriate political action and social reform based on advancement in Science, Technology, Economic Development and Social Organisation.
Speaking on Saturday during the inauguration ceremony of the leadership and members of Kogi State national gubernatorial campaign council, national chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said, “It is pertinent to also note that we have initiated and concluded plans to structure our party into a truly grassroots progressive party by opening full-fledged and functional offices in all 8,813 wards in Nigeria.
“This is to enable our members across the country to have both a symbolic representation of our party in their neighbourhood and, a place for active interaction between and among members on one hand, and members and leadership at different tiers of government on the other hand.
“In addition, our vision is to institutionalise the progressive ideology in the body politic of our country. We indeed believe that progressivism as a political ideology can be deployed to improve the lives of millions of our compatriots and improve our society through appropriate political action and social reform based on advancement in Science, Technology, Economic Development and Social Organisation. To crystalise this vision, we are at the concluding stage of establishing a National Institute of Progressive Study.
“This Institute, going forward, will facilitate the channelling and integrating the nation’s progressive minded politicians into the substance, orientation and practice of progressive ideology and political best practices. This will certainly amplify our difference from other political parties that are only interested in capturing power.
“We will ensure that with the kind of graduates our national institute will be producing from time to time, the Nigerian political space will be populated by truly progressive minded politicians.”
The former Kano State governor called on all party members and stakeholders to rally round APC governorship candidate to succeed in the forthcoming election in Kogi State.
He said, “I will like to therefore call on all our party members and stakeholders to rally round our candidate so that our party will succeed. By so doing, all the legacy projects would be sustained and there will be continuation in governance. As a party, we are committed to working hard individually and collectively to realise these goals and objectives.”
Ganduje pleaded with Nigerians to remain patient and continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his effort and determination to address the economic challenges facing Nigeria.
“In no distance time, by the special grace of God, such policies and programmes would eventually yield positive results,” he added.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by six governors, including those of Kogi, Ogun, Lagos, Niger, Benue and Kwara States respectively.
Also in attendance were former governors, Senators and so many other part stalwarts across the country.
While inaugurating the campaign team, Ganduje expressed confidence in the capacity of the chairman and the co-chairmen as well as the committee members to deliver and ensure the victory of the party.
“It is also my belief that the innovations the Campaign Council will initiate during the campaign period will convince the electorate that the APC remains the only option for development, the only alternative for good governance and the only political vehicle to convey the people of Kogi State, and indeed, Nigeria, to the place of our collective aspiration of prosperity and development,” he stated.
In his welcome address, APC national secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said the campaign council comprises of individuals who have demonstrated impeccable and unwavering dedication to the cause, and ability to lead APC to victory.
He noted: “We need the support and engagement of each member of our party, and indeed, every Kogites who yearns for positive change. We also appeal to those who participated in the primary to put it behind them and work for the victory of the party. This is where their commitment to the party can get rewarded both with good government and patronage.
“Our campaign, as customary, will be issue-based. We will engage in constructive dialogue, listen to the concerns of Kogites, and work tirelessly to address their needs and aspirations.”
In his speech, Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, thanked President Tinubu, just as he expressed confidence and assurance that the party will ride to victory smoothly in the November 11 election.
Bello said, “If you see these cream-de-la-cream that have come to support us in this coming election. I assured you that victory is ours. There is nobody contesting against us.
“We have Hon Usman Ododo who is coming to consolidate on our achievements.
“This election is a landslide victory. Nobody try GYB with violence and go scort free. Go out and cast your vote. This election shall be a landslide victory for our party.”
In his remark, chairman of the Kogi campaign council and Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, thanked the leadership of the party and assured that his team will not fail to deliver as expected.
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