The All Progressives Congress in Kwara State on Saturday returned 36 members of its state executive committee unopposed.
The exercise, which was supervised by the APC State Congress Committee, led by its Chairman, Senator Salisu Hussain, took place at the Banquet Hall, opposite Government House, Ilorin.
It was witnessed by the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; all members of the National Assembly from the state; the Deputy Governor, Elder Peter Kisra; and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad.
Also in attendance were the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Alhaji Kawu Baraje; and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission from the headquarters in Abuja and the Kwara State office.
The new executive committee members were picked through consensus arrangement from ward to state congresses.
Hussain expressed delight over the arrangement, saying the process satisfied party’s rule and constitution.
“We received return forms from 36 candidates with no opposition, but we will still go ahead with voting for affirmation,” he said.
Saraki commended party members for the conduct of the exercise, saying Nigerian politicians have a lot to learn from the Kwara State model of politicking.
According to Saraki: “This is the third stage of the journey that started with ward congresses, which were adjudged as the best in Nigeria.
“In Kwara, we don’t have problems of people fighting themselves.
“That is why you can see two former governors sitting together to participate in an electoral process with the incumbent.”
Saraki challenged youths who have been elected into executive offices at the ward levels to prove their mettle in the coming general elections.
Speaking after the election, Ahmed, who congratulated the newly elected officials, charged them to immediately prepare for the next general election.
He promised to consolidate on the achievements of the party in leading the state to enviable heights and guarantee electoral victory for the party in 2019.
In a vote of thanks, Abdullahi insisted that the party would only recognise congresses conducted by Congress Committees put in place by the national body.
The elected officers include Alhaji Ishola Balogun Fulani, State Chairman; Hon. Christopher Tunji Ayeni, Secretary; Alhaji Buhari Sulaiman, Publicity Secretary; and Hajiya Rahmat Oganija, Woman Leader.