APC NEC product of transparent democracy, says Atiku

The emergence of the Chief John Odigie-Oyegun-led National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a product of transparency, democracy and compromise, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said. Atiku, who is also one of the national leaders of the party, was quoted in a statement of solidarity in Abuja to the new APC executive members ahead of today’s inauguration of the party’s NEC. In the statement by his Media Office, the former vice president urged the new party officials to sustain the tempo and public enthusiasm, which greeted their election last weekend in Abuja. Atiku expressed delight at the peaceful conduct of the party’s inaugural national convention. The statement said: “As a party member, he was proud that the elections were conducted without incidents or rancour.” It added that the level of maturity among APC followers was evidence of their commitment to decent democratic conduct. The former vice president expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the elections, despite predictions of chaos and crisis from certain quarters before the national convention. He said there is always a reward for loyalty, adding that aggrieved members should remain loyal to the party. Atiku also advised the party leaders and members not to rest on their oars because the challenges ahead are still enormous. He said: “Complacency is a dangerous attitude, especially for an opposition party struggling to capture power and bring change.” Atiku apologised for his inability to attend the inauguration ceremony, because of compelling need to honour urgent commitments overseas. “The former vice president conveys his support, loyalty and cooperation to the NEC of the party at all times,” the statement said.