The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed satisfaction with the level of arrangements and mobilisation for the ongoing screening of aspirants ahead of the party’s forthcoming elections.
Yilwatda stated this while speaking with journalists during a visit to one of the screening centres at the Continental Hotel, Abuja.
He commended members of the screening committee for the smooth organisation of the exercise, noting that the large turnout of aspirants reflected the party’s preparedness and unity ahead of future political contests.
The APC National Chairman appreciated Nigerians for continuing to support the party and assured them of the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property as well as expanding infrastructure across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on road construction, rail development, airports, seaports, and other projects aimed at boosting socio-economic activities.
Yilwatda also highlighted several social intervention programmes of the Federal Government, including the student loan scheme, agricultural grants and loans for farmers, and health insurance support for vulnerable citizens and retirees.
He said the APC-led administration remained committed to implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, expressing confidence that a second term would provide greater opportunities to expand development programmes across the country.
Meanwhile, several aspirants who participated in the screening exercise commended the party for providing a conducive atmosphere that encouraged free and fair participation.
Former Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura described the exercise as peaceful and well organised, pledging to serve his constituents diligently if elected.
An aspirant from Bauchi State, Abubakar Sulaiman, urged politicians to demonstrate maturity and sportsmanship during the electoral process, stressing that politics should not create division among party members.
Similarly, Sirajo Ibrahim Tanko from Bauchi North advised Nigerians to avoid making inflammatory statements against leaders, while calling for fairness, justice, and transparency during the elections.
Former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, also praised the party’s arrangements, expressing optimism that the process would strengthen internal democracy and support credible elections.
From Zamfara North, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi urged the party leadership to adopt direct primaries to avoid intimidation and ensure transparency, while also cautioning against the militarisation of elections in the state.
Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda said whichever option the party adopts, whether consensus or direct primaries, would be acceptable, adding that the APC had demonstrated commitment to democratic processes.
Female aspirant from the Federal Capital Territory, Hajiya Amina Zanna Ibrahim, promised to protect the interests of women if elected and called on President Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in Nigeria.
Bashir M