drums support for Doherty-led exco
By Adeyinka Adeniran
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has affirmed the leadership of the United Kingdom chapter of the party under the leadership of Hon. Tunde Doherty, saying the team remained the authentic representative of the APC in UK that was committed to the progress of the party in the diaspora.
Ganduje’s assertion came in the wake of the rumours making the rounds that the diaspora chapters of APC had not been recognized in the party’s constitution.
Speaking at the meeting held with members of the APC UK executive, Ganduje said the only authentic APC’s representative in the UK and the broader diaspora is the one under Hon.Tunde Doherty, insisting that no amount of blackmail or information can undermine the choice of the national leadership of the party.
He congratulated the newly elected members of the APC UK executive on the successful completion of the party congress that was supervised by the National Secretary of the party, Senator Dr. Ajibola Basiru, underscoring the national party’s support.
He commended the calibre of the people elected as members of the APC UK executive, describing them as serious and dedicated leaders that align with the party’s vision and committed to the progress of the party.
The APC national chairman also gave the assurances that APC UK leadership will be given the best opportunity to participate in both the party and the government engagements, even as he reaffirmed the importance of their respective contributions to the progress of the party.
“This is the authentic representative of the APC UK. I know that you are all committed to the progress of our party and I want to assure you all of the support of the national leadership of our party.
“We have records of the successful congress held under the supervision of the national Secretary of our party.
“The success recorded at the congress was a testimony of your commitment to party progress and we all know that it is a new dawn in the trajectory of the APC UK.
“It is not impossible to see some people challenging the legality and authenticity of the new exco, but let me assure you that litigation is a normal aspect of political processes, therefore, you must remain focused on your mission to promote the ideology of our party in the UK”.
In his remarks, Doherty expressed appreciation to the national leadership of the party, saying the APC under Ganduje had demonstrated the best pattern of leadership that is devoid of rancour and political wranglings. He promised to be the good ambassador of the APC in the UK and also commit to the progress of the party.
“With this new development, it is no doubt that the recognition from the National Chairman of our party has strengthened the role of the APC UK Chapter in promoting the party’s values within the diaspora, while reinforcing their position as the legitimate APC representative abroad”, Doherty said.
No fewer than 20 members of the APC UK were present at the meeting held with the national leadership of the APC at the Secretariat in Abuja.