Sokoto, July 24, 2021

Rep. Balarabe Salame has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to follow the party’s guideline in the conduct of its congresses for a level playing field.

Salame (APC-Sokoto), who spoke to newsmen in Sokoto on Saturday, said that no one should be allowed to manipulate the clear testimony and reputable visions and missions governing the structures of APC’s existence.

He appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC leadership under Gov. Mai Mala Buni for organising the conduct of congresses at all levels, saying such is a clear testimony of ensuring internal democracy.

“Based on this development, effective mobilisation was done by our teeming members interested in contesting for various positions as spelt out in the ward congress.

“We are pleased to inform you that many people have so far expressed the interest to contest in the forthcoming Congress and have already paid through the stated banks for the purchase of forms as per APC guidelines.

“However, it is good to note that the Sokoto state chapter Acting Chairman in a press statement on July 23, indicated that the party has concluded all necessary arrangements to conduct a hitch free exercise in the state.

“But it is worth to mention that most of the APC stakeholders were not invited for the meeting and it was not conducted at the party office but personal residence of a party member,” Salame, representing Gwadabawa/Illela, said.

The lawmaker added that the leadership of the State House of Assembly, himself and many others were not invited for the meeting.

“It is our sincere hope that all interested party members in the state will be given the same level playing ground as per the guidelines.

“People must be allowed to choose their leaders as guided by the principles of democracy,” he urged.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the national headquarters of the APC has scheduled July 31, for the party’s Ward Congresses across the country.