Governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on the platform of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) have declared that “everyone, from every part of the country, is free to aspire for any position in the party in line with provisions of our party’s constitution” ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The Forum, however, expressed excitement over Thursday’s defection of governor Ben Ayade of Cross River state from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to APC.
It in a statement released Friday in Abuja by the chairman of the Forum and the Kebbi state governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, called on other Nigerians to defect to the ruling party.
On the 2023 general elections, Bagudu who signed the statement on behalf of the APC governors said: “APC belongs to all Nigerians. Everyone, from every part of the country is free to aspire for any position in the party in line with provisions of our party’s constitution and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. The guiding philosophy as enshrined in the provisions of our manifesto is economic, social and political development of Nigeria.
“The Progressive Reinforcement of our party continues. We look forward to receiving more patriots and progressive minded Nigerians into the APC!”
Welcoming Ayade on board, the APC governors said the Forum remained steadfast in supporting the efforts and initiatives of President Muhammadu Buhari in building the APC as a strong and democratic political party.
“We join all leaders and members to welcome this illustrious Nigerian into our great party. The decision of Mr. Ayade to join the APC is a testament of our party’s capacity to mobilise all Nigerians consistent with the vision of the founding fathers to ensure that the APC is a platform to unite all Nigerians. The coming of Mr. Ayade into the APC further reinforces the process of membership and leadership recruitment at all levels.
“We congratulate our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, whose sterling qualities and fair mindedness endear patriotic Nigerians to the party. Mr. President’s credentials as a fair leader who is impartial will continue to promote our party and serve as a major source of electoral advantage.
“Our party, APC, is open, transparent and will continue to guarantee fair contestation in politics, in line with the overarching commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari and all our founding leaders.”
