Once again, history is made in our country and
before our very eyes. The confirmation of the registration of the All
Progressives Congress, APC, by INEC signals the commencement of a new phase in
the struggle to bring true democratic change to Nigeria.
This is not just a merger. This is the first ever
merger in the history of Nigeria and represents a paradigm shift in the
politics of our country. Together we must own it. As Nigerians we see history
unfold before our very eyes and we must rise up to answer the call of history
to liberate our people. I congratulate all our governors, all our members from
the North-East, North West, South-South, South- East, South-West and the North
Central and all would be members and well wishers of our great party, APC.
Let me single out for congratulations the
leadership of the merging parties, particularly the executives and the entire
membership of APC for their perseverance, doggedness and the sacrifices they
made in the interest of our country. They resolutely stood behind the
merger and had trust in the leadership and the process. Their faith
in the message of change that APC represents has been aptly demonstrated.
It is to them that the greatest credit goes to.
Because we fulfilled the laws for
registration as prescribed, we all along were confident that our party
will be registered. We worked hard to ensure that our party was in good stead
and in good standing with the law. Selfish interest and ego were shelved.
Personal sacrifices were made particularly by those who hitherto occupied
higher positions in the merging parties in the interest of moving Nigeria
forward.
I congratulate millions of Nigerians who stood by
us during the long process to form the APC party and actualize its
objective. This registration is a culmination of concerted and diverse efforts
and commitment by our people to work for a new Nigeria. With APC, a new Nigeria
is necessary and is possible.
I also want to congratulate INEC and the
leadership of INEC headed by Prof. Jega and the entire institution for this
positive pronouncement. Nigerians must give INEC a pat on the back for
complying with the law of the land. What INEC has done is to follow the
constitution and the electoral act to the later. We hope INEC will continue in
this spirit of independence and respect for the rule of law in all its future
operations.
Today, I can say that Nigeria's democratic journey
has started on a new course and we must pursue this course religiously and
rigorously. Our commitment to achieving 'One Man, One Vote' remains resolute.
We therefore must demand from INEC the full adoption of the biometric
system. Prof. Jega and the Institution he leads will not achieve much and their
efforts at free and fair elections will not be fruitful until they adopt
a modern technologically driven biometric system that will ensure the
integrity of our elections and earn the confidence of Nigeria.
If this is done, we can then say our democracy
has advanced several miles forward to join other civilized democracies in
Africa. Good job, Jega and INEC. You deserve an administrative pat on the back.
The real kudos will come when you work to midwife a virile democracy.
Finally with the registration of All
Progressives Congress, APC, the momentum for change has gained in acceleration
as this merger is ready to set Nigeria on an irreversible cause of change and
people oriented development. Congratulations Nigerians. The struggle has just
begun, because democratic victory is certain.
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