The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, has called for open, transparent and all-inclusive congresses ahead of the party’s ward, local government and state exercises.
Fagbemi said every member interested in contesting for party positions must be allowed to do so without hindrance.
He made the call during a meeting of the State Executive Committee with party chairmen and secretaries from the 16 local government areas to review the tenure of outgoing executives and prepare for the forthcoming congresses.
Addressing party leaders, Fagbemi commended members for sustaining unity and progress within the party despite differences of opinion.
“Politics is about interests, and it is normal to have varied interests,” he said, urging members not to allow disagreements weaken party cohesion.
With the tenure of the current executives nearing its end, the APC chairman thanked members for their cooperation and achievements, noting the party’s success in recent elections across the state.
“Some of us might never have met without this executive bond. I appreciate everyone and apologize on behalf of all where we might have wronged each other. I seek forgiveness,” he said. “Some of us might not return after the congresses, but we must part on good terms.”
Fagbemi stressed that the upcoming congresses should reflect integrity, fairness and strict adherence to the party constitution, adding that the leadership has consistently operated within laid-down rules.
He reaffirmed the congress timetable as announced by the party: ward congresses on February 18, local government congresses on February 21, and the state congress on March 4, ahead of the national convention.
“Everyone who desires to contest should be allowed to do so,” he said, warning against the formation of exclusionary caucuses and urging leaders to make necessary information available to all aspirants.
The APC chairman called for inclusiveness in the process, saying carrying all stakeholders along is key to sustaining party unity.
He also commended local government executives, describing them as the backbone of the party due to their closeness to the grassroots, and urged leaders to intensify mobilisation efforts as the ongoing APC membership e-registration exercise draws to a close.
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