APC can’t use and dump us, say aspirants disqualified from 2019 race

Some of the aspirants disqualified from the 2019 race by the All Progressives Congress (APC) have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the party leadership to consider their interest.

At a news conference in Abuja on Friday, Yusuf Banki, secretary of the APC aspirants’ forum, said all aspirants across the country had made huge sacrifices and contributions to the success of the party.

He said every aggrieved aspirant must be encouraged to ensure the success of the party in the 2019 general election.

“Nobody shall be used and dumped as in the past, and each and every member will be carried along by the APC administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.

“In addition, in line with our party’s strong resolve, the increase in the participation of women and youths is primary focus of the 2019 elections to ensure that we continue to strengthen our democracy.

“Majority of the victims of injustice and impunity during the recently concluded primary election are the women and youths.

“We are appealing to all our aggrieved members across the country to be calm, remain steadfast, committed, and loyal to Mr. President as we work closely with him to address our grievances.”

He said the APC aspirants forum was set up in 2014 to strengthen and compliment the efforts of the party to ensure the popularity, spread and victory of aspirants and candidates throughout the nation.

“We have over 7,000 registered members and over 200 affiliated political groups, NGOs and civil society organisations,” he said.

Banki alleged that the APC decided to reward the new entrants into the party at the expense of the loyal and committee members during the just concluded primaries across the country.

A governorship aspirant from Yobe, Umar Ali, alleged that he was shortchanged by the party leadership in the state, adding that their grievances could affect the fortune of the party if not addressed.

Ali also accused the national working committee (NWC) of the party of injustice and called for its dissolution.