The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Saturday told the people of Kogi State that the party remains the only option for the state in the November 11, State Governorship Election.
He made the announcement at the inauguration of Prince Dapo Abiodun-led Kogi State National Gubernatorial Campaign Council in Lokoja, Kogi State capital.
He also gave the campaign council the marching orders to deliver the party’s candidate in the Governorship election.
According to the chairman, “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.”
The Chairman also called on all party members and stakeholders in the state to rally around the party’s governorship candidate to succeed in the forthcoming election in Kogi state.
Ganduje said: “I would like to therefore call on all our party members and stakeholders to rally around 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.”
Unveiling his plan for the party, the National Chairman said as a political party with a progressivism ideology, he would deploy this ideology 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.
He also said that efforts will be made to make the party grassroots based with all organs of the party functioning to capacity.
“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 then called on all Nigerians “to remain patient and continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his effort and determination to address the economic challenges facing our dear country. In no distance time, by the special grace of God, such policies and programmes would eventually yield positive results.”
Inaugurating the campaign council, 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.
APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said the Council team comprises individuals who have demonstrated an impeccable and unwavering dedication to the cause, and the ability to lead APC to victory.
According to him, “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 address, Governor Yahaya Bello thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and expressed confidence and assurance that the party will ride to a landslide victory 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 you that victory is ours. Nobody is contesting against us.
“We have Hon Usman Ododo who is coming to consolidate our achievements.
“This election is a landslide victory. Nobody tries GYB with violence and goes scot-free. Go out and cast your vote. This election shall be a landslide victory for our party.”
Responding after the inauguration, the Chairman of the Campaign Council and Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, thanked the leadership of the party and assured that his team would not fail to deliver as expected.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by six governors of Kogi State, Ogun State, Lagos State, Niger State, Benue and Kwara State respectively.
Also in attendance were former governors, Senators and many other party stalwarts across the country.
