APC Convention: Masari Encourages Delegates to 'Make Their Mark

The All Progressives Congress (APC) kicked off its 8th National Convention on Friday, with a strong emphasis on unity and a robust defence of the administration's economic strategy, as former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari addressed the gathering.

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Before an audience of 8,453 delegates, Masari, who chaired the convention's Central Coordinating Committee, characterized the event as a "solemn assembly" entrusted with shaping the nation's future, underscoring the gravity of the task at hand.

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Masari stressed that the convention was more than a routine political exercise, as he reminded delegates that their role was not limited to casting votes, but to make a lasting impact on the nation's history.

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He urged delegates to recognize the significance of their responsibilities in selecting the party's next leaders, while acknowledging the challenges posed by insecurity and economic pressures, which he viewed as opportunities to demonstrate resilience and build a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria.

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Masari defined leadership as a service-oriented concept, built on trust and unity, rather than privilege, titles, or power, and pledged that the convention's processes would be guided by transparency and respect for the members' will.

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Representing the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Finance Minister Wale Edun defended the administration's "bold steps" to address the longstanding economic neglect, citing challenges such as limited local refining capacity and distorted foreign exchange markets inherited from previous governments.

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Edun reported a doubling of economic growth under the current administration, from 2% to 4% per annum, with a medium-term target of 7% growth aimed at lifting millions out of poverty and achieving a $1 trillion economy.

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The minister also highlighted the APC's expanding influence, with the number of party governors growing to 31 from 21 in just over two years, and outlined initiatives across key sectors, including support for farmers and small-scale industries through the Bank of Industry.

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Edun mentioned partnerships with the World Bank to revitalize the power sector and massive investments in the digital economy, aimed at empowering youth and reducing emigration, while acknowledging the short-term "cost of correcting imbalances" and asserting that the country is on a path to stability.

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He emphasized the need to stay the course, from stabilization to the highest standards, saying "The giant has reawakened, we must stay the course from stabilization to the gold standard".

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Most of the current National Working Committee (NWC) members entered the convention unopposed, with only the positions of Deputy National Chairman (South) and National Welfare Secretary contested, as the convention also serves to affirm the party's "Renewed Hope" agenda and elect new leadership.