N’East APC elects zonal leaders via consensus in Gombe

The North-East chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Wednesday adopted a consensus arrangement to elect its zonal leaders during the party’s congress held in Gombe State.

The congress brought together governors, lawmakers, party executives, and stakeholders from across the region.

Speaking at the event, Governor of Yobe State and North-East APC Coordinator, Mai Mala Buni, described the congress as a constitutional exercise aimed at strengthening party leadership and unity.

“It is with a deep sense of fulfilment that I welcome you to the zonal congress of our great party, Nigeria’s ruling party and Africa’s largest democratic party, the APC, to elect zonal leaders for another term of office. This is in fulfilment of constitutional provisions guiding the election of party leaders,” he said.

Buni praised the North-East for sustaining a culture of internal democracy, noting that the zone has remained a model for peaceful political processes.

“The North-East zone is the home of democracy, and this has been demonstrated in our democratic processes. We have always been a role model of healthy and peaceful internal democracy for other zones to emulate,” he added.

He also commended the people and leadership of Adamawa and Taraba states for strengthening the party’s political fortunes in the region.

Highlighting the zone’s political relevance, Buni said the North-East has consistently played a key role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

“From the First Republic to date, the North-East has played a major role in Nigeria’s politics. Today, we have the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from this zone, alongside several governors, senators, and members of the House of Representatives,” he stated.

He further stressed the zone’s contributions to the growth of the APC since its formation.

“The North-East zone is, by every standard, a major stakeholder in the life of the APC. There is no zone with more committed APC members than this, and we will continue to protect the interest of the party at all times,” he said.

The governor commended the peaceful conduct of congresses at ward, local government, and state levels, noting that consensus-building had strengthened unity within the party.

“The adoption of consensus has proven that unity can prevail over contestation. I am optimistic that today’s zonal congress will further strengthen our sense of unity and family relationship,” he said.

He urged party members to follow due process in resolving disputes and to remain united ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“There are laid-down rules and procedures to handle any misunderstandings in the party. I urge all groups to follow due process,” he cautioned.

Looking ahead, Buni called for collective mobilisation in support of the party and its candidates.

“As we approach the 2027 general elections, I urge all stakeholders to join hands, set aside differences, and mobilise our supporters to secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates,” he said.

He also expressed support for the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in addressing insecurity in the North-East.

“We acknowledge the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in providing leadership at this challenging time. His renewed efforts to tackle insecurity in the North-East are commendable. We must support the Federal Government to succeed,” he added.

Buni reaffirmed the zone’s commitment to the party’s progress and future electoral success.

“The zone will continue to support the programmes of the Tinubu administration aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians. With your support and contributions, the APC will maintain its leadership and record greater success in future elections,” he said.

Earlier, former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, moved a motion for the adoption of consensus candidates, which was seconded by the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Usman Kumo.

“I have the privilege to move the motion that the delegates approve the consensus candidates for our zonal offices to ensure that everyone is duly elected. I so move. Thank you,” Lawan said.

Seconding the motion, Kumo stated:

“I second the motion moved by my leader.”

The motion was subsequently adopted by delegates, paving the way for the emergence of zonal leaders through consensus.