The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, has called for transparent, inclusive and hitch-free congresses, insisting that every party member interested in contesting should be given a fair chance without intimidation or exclusion.
Fagbemi made the call on Friday during a meeting of the State Executive Committee, which also had in attendance APC chairmen and secretaries from the 16 local government areas of the state. The meeting was convened to review the tenure of the outgoing executives and prepare for the upcoming ward, local government and state congresses.
Addressing party leaders, the APC chairman commended members for maintaining unity and cooperation, despite occasional disagreements.
“Politics is about interests, and it is normal to have different views,” Fagbemi said, stressing that such differences should never be allowed to weaken party cohesion.
With the tenure of the current executives nearing its end, he expressed appreciation to party members for their support and collective achievements, particularly the party’s electoral successes in the state.
“Some of us might never have met without this executive bond. I appreciate everyone and apologise on behalf of all where we may have offended one another. I ask for forgiveness,” he said.
“Some of us may not return after the congresses, but we must part ways on good terms.”
Describing the forthcoming congresses as a critical test of integrity, character and respect for party rules, Fagbemi assured members that the party leadership had consistently operated within the provisions of the APC constitution.
He announced that ward congresses will hold on February 18, local government congresses on February 21, while the state congress is scheduled for March 4, ahead of the party’s national convention.
Reiterating the need for fairness and openness, the APC chairman said no member should be denied the opportunity to contest.
“Everyone who desires to contest must be allowed to do so,” he said, adding that all relevant information should be made available to interested members, without the creation of caucuses or exclusion of stakeholders.
Fagbemi also urged party leaders to ensure broad participation, describing inclusiveness as essential to sustaining unity within the APC.
While congratulating party executives at all levels, he paid special tribute to local government executives, whom he described as the backbone of the party because of their closeness to the grassroots, despite what he called unwarranted criticisms.
He further called on party leaders to intensify mobilisation across the state, noting that the party’s membership e-registration exercise would soon come to an end.
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