The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State on Wednesday conducted its ward congresses, electing party leaders across the state’s 287 wards.
The chairman of the Ward and Local Government Congress Committee, Shehu Mu’azu, who was deployed from the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, commended the orderly conduct of the exercise.
Mu’azu, who also supervised the screening and appeal committees, visited several wards to monitor proceedings.
He expressed confidence that the local government congresses scheduled for Thursday, February 19, would maintain the same calm atmosphere.
Ward executive members were elected in all 287 wards across the 27 local government areas of the state. The elections were conducted by consensus, a method Mu’azu said fully aligns with the party’s constitution.
According to him, as the positions were uncontested, candidates were adopted by affirmation in line with constitutional provisions.
“The party’s constitution provides that where there is no opposition for a position, candidates can be adopted by affirmation, which is what took place,” Mu’azu said.
He, however, noted that the consensus approach does not rule out competitive elections in future.
“Where there are multiple aspirants in subsequent exercises, the party will ensure a level playing field for all,” he added.
The Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, who chaired the Local Organising Committee, praised Governor Umar Namadi for promoting inclusiveness within the party.
Dangyatin said that at a stakeholders’ meeting held ahead of the congress, the governor emphasised the need for transparency and fairness, allowing all interested party members to contest.
He attributed the smooth conduct of the ward congresses to the confidence party members have in the governor’s leadership.
The Speaker expressed optimism that the successful exercise signals a promising future for the APC in the state.