Governors and aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress on Saturday commended the party’s ongoing screening exercise, describing the process as transparent, fair and encouraging.
The stakeholders spoke in Abuja after appearing before various APC screening panels for governorship and senatorial contests.
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, who is seeking the APC governorship ticket in Gombe State, praised the conduct of the exercise and the professionalism of the screening committee.
“To be fair, the process has been commendable so far. It has been very transparent, very objective and very friendly,” Pantami said.
The former minister also threw his weight behind direct primaries, stressing that internal democracy and fairness were critical to the survival of both the APC and Nigeria’s democratic system.
Pantami expressed confidence in securing the party’s ticket, citing his record in public service as former Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency and minister.
“We are not coming with empty promises but with records of what we have delivered in public office,” he stated.
Similarly, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State described the screening exercise as fair and thorough.
“It is very fair and thorough. It has gone very well and I’m happy with it,” Buni said after appearing before the panel ahead of his senatorial bid.
The governor assured constituents of quality representation if elected into the Senate, saying his track record in public office remained verifiable.
“Performance is what they should expect. I have never been found wanting in all the positions I have occupied,” he stated.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State also commended the exercise, saying it had strengthened cooperation between APC governors and the party leadership.
“I’m satisfied. It brings synergy between sitting governors and the National Working Committee,” Eno said.
The governor expressed optimism about the Tinubu administration, maintaining that ongoing reforms were gradually yielding results despite economic difficulties.
“There is progress and light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.
Eno also disclosed that his administration would focus on consolidating projects under the ARISE Agenda if re-elected for a second term, with emphasis on tourism, infrastructure and revenue generation.
Meanwhile, APC governorship aspirant in Kwara State, Abdul Fatai Yahya, described the screening process as smooth and impressive.
“The process is lovely. I think it’s fantastic and wonderful,” Yahya said.
The aspirant expressed confidence in emerging as the party’s candidate and said his priority would be industrialisation and human capital development in Kwara State.
“I believe in building industry and building people,” he stated.
Yahya also said he remained optimistic about his chances whether the party adopts consensus or direct primaries in the state.
The APC stakeholders generally called for fairness, transparency and equal opportunities in the party’s internal processes.
