The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has expressed commitment to rebuilding the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the FCT, while calling on stakeholders to close ranks and work together for the party’s success.
During an engagement meeting with APC leaders and other party faithful, the minister also called for dedication and commitment from members.
Expressing concern over the party’s poor performance in the last presidential elections in the Territory, Mahmoud assured that the party would overcome its challenges in subsequent elections.
She further emphasized the need for honesty and openness in communication, stressing that a communication gap had been a problem in every aspect of life.
She said, “And then I want us to be honest and open. In whatever it is, let us follow due process to communicate. Make sure we pass that information appropriately for the party and the nation at large.
“If we want to succeed, we have to be honest with each other, dedicated, and supportive of one another.
“That is why we have to come together, work together with sincerity, and hold the party’s interests at heart. So, by God’s grace, we are going to make it.”
The minister pledged to use her political expertise to replicate the success stories recorded in Kano state, saying, “Dr. Mariya is now in Abuja, and I need my APC family members to work together. And I know we can do it.
“Kano is the largest and most populous state in the country. We have 44 local government areas with 484 political wards, while we have only six area councils in FCT with 62 wards. So, this is very visible and achievable.”
Acknowledging some of the problems facing the party, Mahmoud affirmed that with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the helm of affairs, the party would overcome its challenges.
“I know we have problems, and every party has problems. But ours have already been solved by the Almighty Allah because he has given us the power.
“We are in charge. And I assure you, Mr. President is with FCT 100 percent; the First Lady is with FCT 100 percent,” she stressed.
Mahmoud used the occasion to appreciate party members in the FCT for their patience despite the challenges.
Speaking on the party’s status in FCT, the Chairman of APC in the Federal Capital Territory, Hon. Abdulmalik Usman, described the situation as pathetic, leading to a downward trend in both state and national elections.
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He stressed that despite the challenges faced by the party in 2015, the APC was able to record 47 percent in the presidential election due to the dedication and commitment of members.
Usman identified the lack of patronage and reward system as the major factors contributing to the low performance of APC in the nation’s capital.
“In 2016, here comes our brother, our father, our friend as a minister, who also at that time, gathered us this way. With his support and help, we were able to win the six Area Councils for the party in 2016.
“As time went by, members were not patronized, and there was no reward system for those who worked for the party. Consequently, we saw a decrease from 47 percent in 2019 to 40 or 30 percent.
“Honorable minister, we thank you that God has made the right time, and this is the time that we have got a mother who can gather all the executives of this party, not to tell us her plan, but for us to sit down and plan together. You don’t plan alone; you plan together with people.”
He assured the minister of the total loyalty of members to the party, saying, “None of us here is willing to act against the party. If we did not act against the party then, we cannot act against the party now.”
The FCT APC chairman further assured the minister of members’ total loyalty and support to the leadership of the national chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Gaduje.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the minister on Administration and Strategy, Dr. Abdullahi Isah Kauramata, who gave the objectives of the engagement meeting, also emphasized regular meetings of critical stakeholders of the party.”
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