By Dayo Omoogun
The Executive Governor of Niger State, Bello Abubakar has been inaugurated as the Chairman of the party’s National Committee for Membership Registration/Revalidation Exercise.
In his remarks during the briefing, the Chairman of the Caretaker/ Emergency Convention Planning Committee, Mai Mala Buni said the inauguration of the committee marks another milestone in the history of the party and provided a background as to the need for the exercise.
He said, ” As you are aware, the party had not had the opportunity of renewing its membership register since the initial registration exercise of 2014. The party had in the last seven years received millions of politicians who left other political parties and joined the APC but were not registered.
“Similarly millions of youth who attained the age of 18 years and above have joined the party within this period could not be registered. Again, others who had left the party still have their names in the register.
“The registration and revalidation exercise therefore provides the opportunity for both new and old members to register and update their membership in the party, and for the party to expunge names of those who had left so as to have a clean and up to date membership register.
Buni expressed confidence in the committee and charged them to work as a team warning that sabotage of the exercise will not be condoned.
“Therefore, this committee holds the key to ensuring a successful membership registration and revalidation exercise across the country. I wish to reiterate that so much is expected from this very important committee.
“Your Excellency as chairman and members of the committee, you were carefully selected based on your personal capacity and the confidence the party has in you to make this exercise a huge success.
“The Secretariat is always there for you to support and address any possible problem that may arise in the course of your assignment.
I am confident that at the end of the exercise, every member of the party would have the privilege of getting registered as an APC member, and to have a sense of belonging as a member of the party.
“I am very sure that our figures in the register would surge into quadruples or even more, to further prove that APC is indeed Nigeria’s largest and leading political party.
“Already, the Registration/Revalidation enlightenment and mobilization committee under the leadership of His Excellency the Kogi state Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has commenced mobilizing our members to participate and ensure they are registered in the forthcoming exercise.
“Let me make it abundantly clear that the party would not condone any act of sabotage of denying anyone or group of persons from registering. The party would deal decisively with anyone or group who attempt hijacking the exercise. Everyone must be allowed and given the chance to register.
He added that the party has adequate back up materials to ensure a successful exercise and no one is disenfranchised.