The Nigerian governing All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the last Saturday’s legislative by-elections in parts of the country as a counter fact to claims that it is no longer popular among Nigerians.
Some Nigerians, mainly the opposition, had claimed that the APC was no longer popular owing to its policies which they described as anti-people although, according to checks, are largely developmental namely Made-in-Nigeria policy to enable the country self reliance for its currency to compete effectively in foreign exchange, building of institution and infrastructure among others.
However, the APC in a statement by Mr. Yekini Nabena, its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, sent to The DEFENDER on Tuesday said it does not take the massive national support for granted.
It said, “From Imo, Bauchi, Lagos, Plateau and other states where Saturday’s concurrent legislative by-elections were conducted across the country, the massive electoral victories recorded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a solid display and pointer that the APC remains the only political party with a true national appeal and acceptance by Nigerians, across geo-political zones and sundry groupings.
“As a governing party, the APC does not take the massive national support for granted. This is indeed a true demonstration that President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC government he leads remains massively popular with Nigerians, despite the warped narrative some opposition partisans try to sell.
“The President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration is further buoyed by this national support to improve the lives of Nigerians, genuinely address our challenges and overall better our dear country.
“Intra-party, the important work the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) is doing to reposition the party by accommodating all interests and ensuring peace, unity, fairness, equity, justice and inclusion and internal democracy in our great party is undoubtedly beginning to yield fruits as the APC has been returned to winning ways and reemerging as a united, progressive and focussed political unit.
“We received with sadness and regret the casualties resulting from the unfortunate boat mishap involving some policemen on election duty in Bayelsa state as well as some election irregularities in some states where the concurrent legislative by-elections held.
“Although the by-elections were largely peaceful and hitch-free, we must continue to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies ensure the credibility and efficiency of our election processes. The APC continues to advocate against election illegalilites such as vote buying and other emerging frauds which the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their agents are hellbent on foisting on our electioneering processes.
“We reiterate that in all elections, valid votes must count and the majority will of the electorate must prevail,” it said.
