By Samuel Sunday
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday hailed the unity and maturity displayed by party members in Ekiti State as the national committee charged with the conduct of the state’s governorship primary inaugurated to commence work immediately.
Speaking at the stakeholders’ meeting held at the party Secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, the committee Chairman, Governor Ododo in his credence to the people of the state appreciated them, particularly the party members for their love for Governor Biodun Oyebanji which according to him brought about the consensus candidacy saying Ekiti has built a reputation as a state with one voice without discord.
Adding that the recent delegates congresse was conducted without controversy. Stressing that the APC will retain the state with an even wider margin during the forthcoming governorship election as he charged the stakeholders to remain committed to the party’s collective objectives ahead of the general election.
The 11-man committee for Ekiti Governorship Primary, appointed by the APC National Working Committee (NWC), is chaired by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo. While his Edo State counterpart, Governor Monday Okpebholo is the Deputy Chairman. Right Honourable Taiwo Sunmonu was named Secretary. Other members of the committee listed include: Nicky Ejezie, Ihejiator (Elis) Abraham, Rufus Bature, Hon. Latif Ibirogba, Dr. Chibuzor Nduguba Agu, Chief Dr. Gabriel Oyibode, Chief Mrs. Hope Dike, and Engineer Shehu Umaru Dange. The committee is to be supported by officials from the party headquarters.
The meeting was attended by a wide range of party officials and stakeholders, including the Deputy National Organizing Secretary (represented by Nze Adi), state chairmen from various states, local government and ward leaders, former and serving members of the National Assembly, youth and women leaders, including the party stalwarts from across the Ekiti.
Governor Ododo thanked the national leadership of the party for the confidence reposed in his committee. He therefore assured that the exercise would be guided by the constitution of the party, and the guidelines governing the process as he promised a smooth, transparent and hitch-free exercise that would enhance members’ confidence in the APC’s internal democracy.
“We consider this assignment both a privilege and a call to service By embracing consensus, you have made our task easier. This will allow the party to focus its energy on the forthcoming general elections”, he said
The Edo State Governor Okpebholo, who doubles as the deputy Chairman of the committee, commended the political harmony in Ekiti and encouraged party leaders to sustain the unity among the people of the State.
In his remark, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele appreciated the earlier speakers describing the current atmosphere in the State as an evidence of a new political order.
