We waited…..we hoped and prayed, and mobilized and strategized, and held countless meetings, chats, put everything else on hold and dared to not just dream, but work towards a better Nigeria. We networked, we reached out to our peers and colleagues, to our leaders, elders, role-models and mentors, because we dared to not just yearn for representation, but to represent what we are yearning for. Whatever hurdle the opposition put in our path, we preempted it…and we overcame. Today, the All Progressives Congress is no longer just a dream – the APC is a registered party. Many broke into song, some have rolled out the drums, but I say…..congratulations may be in order, but let’s not jubilate just yet. This is the first step out of many.
Reclaiming our country will not be easy; the tedious registration process and the many devious schemes that were put into play are glaring proof of that. If such a level of chicanery could be displayed in order to prevent the registration of a party, is there anything at all that won’t be done to ensure that their unholy grip on power does not slip? I say this isn’t the time to relax; nay, we must intensify our efforts and ensure that we sustain (and if possible, increase) the tempo. The ultimate aim still remains to rescue our country from the verge of total destruction and it would take a lot of effort to achieve that. Those who have chosen to lay claim to our commonwealth, to sacrifice our collective future at the altar of personal gain cannot be expected to hand over power so willingly. We must not relent, we must not falter.
The APC has been registered, but let us not dance…..yet. Those of us who have been here since this progressive idea was conceived are glad, and now we ask that those who wish to be part of us also come on board. There’s a national sense of collective ownership about this party and not even the biggest umbrella in the world can conceal that.
If you are reading this, know that no matter how much you complain, you will achieve little or nothing unless you also get involved. What the APC provides is a viable alternative to the coalition of vampires that has besieged this country for the past 14 years; I’m not saying that every member of the APC is a saint, what I AM saying however, is, compare governance in our states to those in PDP states and you’ll get my point. Furthermore, compare specific states such as Edo, Ogun and Osun on the basis of pre-APC and APC and you’ll better understand my point.
Nigerians have been accustomed to bad governance for so long that general skepticism is totally understandable; however, let this opportunity to be part of something truly good and worthwhile not pass you by. Do not allow persistent pessimism rob you of the opportunity of being a part of something great. As our motto at the Youth Forum clearly states: take part in order to take charge!
Contrary to what leaders of the opposition say and believe, in the APC, politics is not a do or die affair; if you join us and find something unacceptable, you’re free to leave, or stay and change it. From the experience that I personally have had, leaving might not even occur to you because our leaders are practically just a phone call away. Your voice will be heard and your opinion will count. The warmth of Chief Audu Ogbeh, General Buba Marwa, General Muhammadu Buhari, the amazing humour and intellectual prowess of Mallam Nasir ElRufai (I doff my hat, sir), the astounding intelligence of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Uncle Fola Adeola’s unwavering support, and the amazing hospitality of Jagaban himself left me (and every other person) speechless.…..these are leaders, worthy role-models who interact with the young ones because they value us. I don’t know how they do it beneath the umbrella, but APC is where I call home because there’s no shoddy business and nothing needs to be concealed. The APC is not a cult; it’s a coalition of Progressives.
Our dream is not just to win elections, but to establish democracy as an institution and not just an event that occurs every four years. Our leaders have been tested and trusted, with respect to corruption, good governance and the dividends of democracy, our governors are efficient, compassionate and ethical, and our legislators are active. We can get better, but don’t just stand on the sidelines and criticize, be part of us and make your voice heard from within.
In his response to the news of our registration, the interim chairman of the youth forum, Barr. Ismail Ahmed said: “A party is born that will serve even the unborn and we have work to do to make sure of that, and so we have to build the party to rebuild this country; we have to win elections to serve the electorate; we have to save a country in order to secure a happy destiny, and we need everyone on board to do that”
If your dream is to have a country that works, where your
needs are placed before your leaders’ wants, where social welfare is
placed on the front burner and where you no longer have to wish that
your leaders would listen because they know that you matter and that
your opinion counts, then the APC is where you belong. If your dream is
to have a country where peace and justice truly reign, then come on
board and join us.
I am ‘Rinsola Abiola, media consultant and interim PRO – along with
Abubakar Sidiq Usman, @abusidiqu – of the ALL PROGRESSIVES YOUTH FORUM
(APYF), a coalition of youths within the APC, and we can’t wait to have
you here. Mail us with your profile, state of residence and contact
details at youths4apc@gmail.com.@Rinsola_Abiola
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