The former governor of Osun state stated that to earn the status of a truly progressive party, there is a need for members to have the audacity to openly discuss the affairs of the APC within or outside its confine.
Akande made the appeal at the public presentation of a book titled “APC and Transition Politics” where he was also the chairman.
While describing the book as an expression of frustration against ‘political vandalism’ in political party administration, the elder statesman stated jokingly in his closing remarks that those who find it difficult to understand the language of the author, Malam Salihu Lukman, should consider writing theirs.
He said, “In the case of Nigeria, democracy and other forms of things that are happening today, if somebody said what was written in a book by our author was in a language everybody is claiming to be difficult to understand, I hope today (that) we are here, nobody will tag us as agents of the PDP?
“Salihu (the author) as an activist, believes in meetings, discussions, and debates for the resolution of political misunderstandings. We are APC and we will continue to be APC. And to be truly APC, we will have the audacity to discuss the affairs of politics either within or outside the APC.”
The current APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, also explained the core functions of a political party, stressing the ruling party under his leadership is living up to the expectations.
“It is important in order to document issues. APC as a political party and as a governing party is an institution. It should be well-structured and positioned to serve two-way traffic. First, it is an institution that is in charge of recruitment of elective and appointed positions. Also, it is an institution that is concerned with a manifesto, and implementation of the manifesto of the party right from national, state, and local government.
“A political party is also an institution that must harness the demands of the people to be transmitted to the ruling government for implementation. It is also an institution that will explain and enlighten the members of the public about the achievements of the ruling government. These are the core functions of the political party and the APC is on that,” he stated.
The Senator representing Edo North and former National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole, who commended the author for his courage, criticism, and progressive ideas however appealed to the former APC deputy chair to stop taking party conflicts to the public.
The event attracted prominent political leaders such as former APC national chairmen, Adams Oshiomhole and Chief Bisi Akande; current helmsman of the party, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje; his national Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; representative of former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; ex-Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Sharon Ikeazor; former presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu among others.
