The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has offered an olive branch to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the recent Local Government Council Elections.
The APC emerged victorious, securing all 23 chairmanship positions and 255 councilorship seats in the elections held on Saturday, October 19.
In contrast, the PDP expressed discontent with the election results.
In response, the ruling party criticized the opposition for contesting the electoral process, asserting that the local government elections, overseen by the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM), were conducted in a free, fair, credible, and transparent manner.
The APC urged the PDP to accept the election results gracefully.
The party stated, “The Kaduna State Government fostered an environment conducive to free and fair elections. Regrettably, certain factions, both internal and external, attempted to sow discord and chaos in Kaduna State. Those who profess to be Democrats resorted to mobilizing thugs to obstruct the distribution of election materials. Nevertheless, the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM) and security forces rose to the occasion, overcoming all challenges to facilitate credible elections throughout the state.”
The statement further encouraged the PDP to engage in introspection to understand its current predicament. “It is perplexing that a prominent opposition party in Kaduna State has allowed anti-democratic forces to take control for interests that do not align with those of the Kaduna people.
Those who previously mismanaged the resources of the Kaduna populace attempted to exploit the local government elections to launder their ill-gotten gains but were thwarted by the vigilant and determined citizens of Kaduna State.”
The APC also expressed willingness to collaborate with progressive members of the PDP and other parties to advance the development of local governments, emphasizing that all stakeholders are vital to the Kaduna Project. “No individual or region should be overlooked. The welfare of the people of Kaduna State must always be our priority.”
In conclusion, the APC reminded all parties to stay focused on their obligations to the citizens of Kaduna State. “As we celebrate our victories, we must also recognize that the challenges ahead will be significant. We need to work diligently for our people, who have high expectations of us. We cannot afford to disappoint them.”
Additionally, the APC congratulated the newly elected local government chairpersons and councillors. Salisu Tanko Wusono, the chapter’s Publicity Secretary, noted that the election victory is significant on multiple fronts.
“This is a vote of confidence from the people of Kaduna State in our great party and the transformative leadership of Governor Uba Sani. It also represents a clear mandate to enhance the Rural Transformation Agenda of our pioneering administration in Kaduna State.”
Wusono urged the newly elected officials to remember that their primary duty is to serve their constituents. “They must act as exemplary representatives of the APC, embodying our party’s core principles of service, accountability, and development. The people of Kaduna have entrusted us with their hopes, and we must meet those expectations,” he added.
The APC encouraged the newly elected local government leaders to seize this opportunity to bring about meaningful changes in their communities.
