Stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from across the North-East zone converged in Gombe for the zonal congress, where they elected officials to steer the party’s affairs for the next four years.
During the convention, party leaders adopted consensus candidates into various positions.
In his welcome address, the North-East Zonal Coordinator of the APC and Governor of Yobe State, Governor Mai Mala Buni, emphasised that the North-East remained a strong bastion of the APC, producing five out of the six governors in the zone, alongside several influential figures in the nation’s political landscape.
“The North-East zone is by every standard, a major stakeholder in the life of the All Progressives Congress. I wish to emphasise that there is no zone more committed to the APC than the North-East, and we shall continue to work to protect the party’s interests at all times,” he said.
Governor Buni further stressed that the APC remained the driving force of Nigeria’s democracy, citing the significant defections to the party as evidence of its growing strength and influence nationwide.
He threrefore, urged all stakeholders to close ranks, set aside their differences, and mobilise supporters to leverage the party’s increased numerical strength towards securing a resounding victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
He also commended the spirit of unity among stakeholders, noting that the adoption of consensus candidates reflects the party’s maturity and internal democratic processes.
Presiding over the proceedings, the Chairman of the Congress Committee, Mr. Simon Ngwan, disclosed that the zone opted for a consensus mode of electing its leadership.
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This decision was reaffirmed through a motion moved by the former President of the Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, and seconded by the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Usman Bello Kumo.
Similarly, a motion for the adoption of the consensus list was moved by Senator Ali Ndume and seconded by the Gombe State APC Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Dantata Ndus, and was overwhelmingly endorsed by delegates.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of his colleagues, commending party leaders and delegates for their orderly conduct and the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the exercise.
He urged party members to remain steadfast and committed to the party’s vision, stressing the need for sustained collaboration to consolidate the gains of the APC at both state and national levels.
In his remarks, the outgoing APC National Vice Chairman for the North-East, Comrade Mustapha Salihu, expressed appreciation to governors, stakeholders and party members for the opportunity to serve, as well as for the support and solidarity extended to them during their tenure.
He reiterated their continued commitment to the party’s success.
Meanwhile, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State congratulated the newly elected leadership on their emergence.
The Governor particularly commended the newly elected Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mr. Nitte Amangal, the immediate past APC Chairman in Gombe State, as well as the new Zonal Women Leader, Hajia Lumbi Abubakar, who, until recently, served in the same capacity at the state level.
He expressed full confidence in their integrity, capacity and competence to excel in their new roles.
Governor Yahaya emphasised the need for cohesion, inclusiveness and a shared vision in strengthening the party’s structures across the zone, noting that only through sustained unity and strategic collaboration can the APC consolidate its gains and meet the expectations of the people, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The newly elected leaders are: National Vice Chairman, Idris Shuaibu; Zonal Secretary, Baba Ali; Legal Adviser, Tatfron Dauda; Publicity Secretary, Nitte Amangal; Youth Leader, Joseph Mondale; Representative of Persons with Disabilities, Haruna Tata; Women Leader, Lumbi Abubakar; and Organising Secretary, Abubakar.