By Lawrence Olaoye
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, yesterday described the emergence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun as the National Chairman of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) as a product of transparency, democracy and compromise.
Atiku, in a statement by his Media Office made the assertion in solidarity to the new APC Exco billed to be inaugurated today in Abuja.
Atiku advised the newly elected party officials to sustain the tempo and public enthusiasm, which greeted the birth of the opposition party in the country.
The former Vice President expressed joy at the peaceful conduct of the elections at the party’s inaugural national convention last Friday.
Atiku said as a party member, he was proud that the elections were conducted without incidents or rancor, adding that the level of maturity demonstrated by APC followers was evidence of their commitment to decent democratic conduct.
The former Vice President said despite prediction of chaos and crisis before the event, it went off peacefully without any incidents. He however appealed to aggrieved members to remain loyal to the party as there is reward for loyalty.
But, the Turakin Adamawa advised APC leaders and members not to rest on their oars because the challenges ahead were still tough.
According to him, complacency is dangerous, especially for an opposition party struggling to capture power and bring change.
While expressing his apologies for his inability to be present for the inauguration of the Exco due to previous commitments overseas, the former Vice President, however, conveyed his support, loyalty and cooperation to the NEC of the party at all times.
