Four More Parties "Express Interest To Be Part Of New Political Party, APC"– Ibrahim Shekarau
Former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau says more political parties will join the new political party, the All Progressive Congress (APC). Shekarau, the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) Merger Committee Chairman, stated this in Abuja on Tuesday while submitting an interim report of the Re-building and Interparty Contact Committee to the party's national leadership.
He said, "The committee is in receipt of four other parties that have written to express their interest to be part of the process."
He was, however, silent on the names of the political parties.
Already, the ANPP, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) are involved in the formation of the APC.
Shekarau explained that the committee was set up to carry out the assignment of ensuring the rebuilding of the ANPP structure at the state and local council offices.
Besides, the committee, he said, would ensure the mobilisation of fund to reposition the party's structures as well as recruit more members to its fold.
Part of the committee's mandate, he added, was to enter into discussion with individuals and other parties willing to merge with the ANPP to create a viable alternative in the country.
The ANPP National Chairman, Dr. Ogbonaya Onu, while responding, said the APC would clearly make a difference in the nation's political landscape.
He said, "When the 2015 contest comes, it will be between the conservatives and the progressives and when the people makes their views known it will be clear, which of the two they prefer."
Meanwhile, former Lagos State Governor and ACN National leader, Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Kaduna said the APC would woo progressive minded Nigerians into the party.
Tinubu, after a meeting with former Head of State, Maj.-Gen. Mohammadu Buhari, said all those genuinely interested in the country’s progress were welcomed in the new party.
According to him, even if the PDP National Chairman, Bamanga Tukur, wants to join the APC, he will be welcome.
The former governor, who was silent on whether the APC would woo PDP governors, asked, "If that is a strategy on our part, should I tell you?"
He further added, "The facts remain that we must talk to everybody and must woo them. If Bamanga Tukur is interested, we will invite him and talk to him. APC is a party to stay with, work with and to share the vision of eliminating corruption, ineptitude in governance and lack of employment for our people.
"If you are threatened by lack of security, enter an APC; if you have persistent headache, use APC."
