As reactions continue to trail the postponement of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) National Convention by the national working committee, the Chairman of Shongom Local Government Area in Gombe State,
Mr Yohanna Nahari has commended the national working committee for announcing a new date for the National Convention.
The Chairman, who spoke to Voice of Nigeria, noted that the earlier postponement is for all the party members’ best interest and to allow for more time for adequate preparation.
“I would like to appreciate the actions of the national working committee for adjusting and announcing a new date for the National Convention to allow the zones to have it Convention and make necessary changes for the benefit of all members of the party; I believe this decision is for the best interest of all,” he stressed.
On the issues of alleged imposition of candidates on members as the reason for the postponement of the National Convention, the Chairman said the party’s constitution doesn’t give room for such as members may reject any such moves.
” Those who allege that the National Convention was postponed because of imposition of candidates on party members may not know the provision of the party’s constitution because if they do, they will know that the party is rooted in democratic principles whereby imposition of candidates on members is nearly impossible.
“In an event where that happens, the members have the right to reject such candidates, but for this postponement, I believe it is to permit adequate preparation since the party is still within the period of the set time to conduct its Convention as stipulated by Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC).
There is no cause for alarm, even the General Election in 2015 was postponed, and that didn’t change the outcome of the election,” he explained.
Mr Nahari, while also reacting to the crisis in the All Progressive Congress party (APC), noted that there were no factions in the party, but that the party is experiencing internal democracy as an expression of interest allowed in the party’s constitution.
” Our party is rooted in the principles of democracy, and democracy is all about interest and where you have the gathering of over one thousand persons, there is bound to be diversity of interests, but that doesn’t mean we are not members of the same party.
Members may express their interest, and when they do, it doesn’t mean the party is factionalised.
We will all have to vote, and the interest of the majority will override the few.
” he stated.
However, the Council Boss expressed confidence in the leadership of the national working committee headed by the Governor of Yobe State Mai Mala Buni, stressing that the committee has the requisite experience and leadership qualities to give the party a befitting National Convention on the new set date.
E/Suzan O.
National Convention: Gombe Council Chairman commends APC Committee for new date