By Obinna Uballa
Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention scheduled for March 27 and 28, former Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, Aminu Bello Masari, on Saturday convened the committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja.
The meeting, holding at the Kano State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, marks the formal commencement of preparations for the convention where the ruling party will elect new national officers.
The planning committee was inaugurated last month by the National Chairman of the party, Nentawe Yilwatda, who tasked members with ensuring a credible and well-organised exercise.
Addressing committee members at the opening session before the meeting proceeded into a closed-door discussion, Masari underscored the importance of delivering a convention that would meet the expectations of party members and Nigerians at large.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives said the committee was determined to organise a convention that would set a new benchmark for internal democratic processes within the party.
“Expectations of Nigerians, the party members and the President are that we produce the best convention ever,” Masari said. “The expectation is that we should also set a template for future conventions in the APC, and with the calibre of people in this committee, this expectation is almost guaranteed.”
Masari also assured that the committee would focus on strengthening internal unity within the party while ensuring that the process inspires confidence among party stakeholders.
According to him, the committee is committed to delivering a transparent process with an outcome that would be broadly acceptable across the party.
The APC national convention is expected to be a major political gathering for the ruling party, as it will usher in a new set of national leaders tasked with steering the party ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Several high-profile political figures attended the inaugural meeting of the planning committee.
Among them were the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, who serves as Vice Chairman I of the committee, and former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, who is the Secretary of the committee.
Also present at the meeting were the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, among other committee members.
The gathering provides an opportunity for members to deliberate on preliminary plans and logistical arrangements necessary to ensure the smooth conduct of the convention.
