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The All Progressives Congress has dismissed claims that it is being run as a one-man show, asserting that the party remains democratic and more united than ever as its National Executive Committee meets on Wednesday.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, made this assertion after the APC National Caucus meeting held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Tuesday night.
The meeting, chaired by President Bola Tinubu, preceded the NEC gathering, which is expected to deliberate on key party matters.
“It’s not a one-man show, please,” Uzodimma told journalists, emphasising that the party operates through structured democratic processes that ensure inclusivity at all levels.
He dismissed allegations of the APC being controlled by a single individual, pointing to the diverse representation at the National Caucus Meeting, which included governors from various geopolitical zones.
“I believe in practical things. I stand here now, and I see the governor of Lagos State, the governor of Edo State, the governor of Jigawa State, the governor of Sokoto State.
“I don’t know what is the meaning of inclusivity when the six geopolitical zones, even in this small space, are already represented. It’s not a one-man show, please,” he stated.
Uzodimma, who also serves as the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, insisted that the APC remains committed to internal democracy.
He cited the ongoing selection process for a candidate in the upcoming by-election in Anambra State as evidence of the party’s democratic structure.
“The APC is a very large political party with different organs, from the grassroots to the national level. Everything we do has always been democratic.
“Any moment from now, we are getting ready to go into the selection of our candidate for the by-election in Anambra State.
“Forms are being sold, aspirants have started buying the forms. At the end of the day, we’ll follow our process because our own political party has its internal mechanism for doing this election, for exhibiting and demonstrating democracy,” he noted.
He further argued that the APC’s electoral success is a testament to its credibility and adherence to democratic principles.
“I don’t think that there is anybody alleging anything that suggests that we are not democratic enough.
“After all, why are we winning all these elections we are winning? Is it not because we have demonstrated high capacity, recognition, and respect for democracy and its processes?
“That is why our party is gradually, incrementally becoming more popular,” he said.
Uzodimma reiterated the party’s unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that despite the economic hardship caused by ongoing reforms, the benefits are gradually becoming visible.
“The government of Bola Tinubu is heavily and seriously supported by the party, the All Progressives Congress, and from time to time, we must show cause that we are behind the government.
“We are not unaware of the hardship associated with the various reforms that are going on, but gradually and incrementally, the dividends and benefits of those reforms are beginning to manifest.
“We’ll continue to support the government until we have overcome the teething issues and preliminary challenges of those reforms,” Uzodimma affirmed.
He argued that the APC-led administration has improved revenue generation, enabling greater investments in infrastructure, social development, and economic initiatives.
“As we speak, we are now better off in terms of revenue generation, in terms of getting more money to do more infrastructure, social change, and other economic dynamics.
“The APC is the party to beat and the envy of other political parties, not only in Nigeria but also in Africa,” he declared.
On security, Uzodimma praised President Tinubu’s efforts, particularly in the South East, where he claimed relative peace has been restored.
According to him, the improved security situation has allowed residents to resume normal activities, including farming and social events, which were previously disrupted by insecurity.
“We are now better off in terms of revenue generation, which allows us to invest more in infrastructure, social development, and other economic initiatives,” he added.
