Secretary, All Progressives Congress, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Zakari Babale, has said unity among party members is critical for the party and Nigeria’s growth and development.

He stated this while welcoming into the party, Dr Ahmed Ibrahim, on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Ibrahim recently retired as the Legal Advisor, Director Legal from the National Youth Service Corps.

Mr Babale, who received Ibrahim on behalf of the council Chairman, Abbas Baba, described him as an asset who had proven himself as a Nigerian ambassador over the years.

He described Ibrahim’s entrance into the party as strategic.

Mr Babale expressed optimism that Ibrahim would help reposition and revive the party’s strength ahead of the 2027 general elections

He said that though the APC in the FCT had some challenges, it was not a time for members to grumble.

The secretary said it was time to support President Bola Tinubu in building a better society for all.

He advised members to remain supportive of the leadership of the party and President Tinubu, as opposition parties remained critical of the ruling party’s achievements.

He called on Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu, adding that his economic programmes and policies might be painful, there would be light at the end of the tunnel.

In his remarks, Ibrahim said he joined the APC out of conviction that it meant well for Nigerians, saying there was need for all to support the vision and policies of President Tinubu..

He said  in spite of the country’s challenges, Tinubu had done so much in the area of security, agriculture, education, health, youth, human capital development and social investment.

Ibrahim said that the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu was already working, especially in the area of youth inclusion in politics and governance.

According to him, Tinubu has not only stabilised the polity but also worked on recovering the country’s economy, as well as improving its bilateral relations with other countries.

Ibrahim said that the administration had also given voice to the voiceless, especially in the area of human rights and inclusive appointments.

He stated, “In this regard all hands must be on deck to support the president in his Renewed Hope Agenda, to move the country forward and move it to a greater and enviable height.”

He expressed appreciation to Chairman of FCT APC, Abdulmalik Usman, and other members for their advice and his acceptance into the party.

“I am delighted to be in your midst today, because today is the day that the Almighty God created. I would like to thank God for bringing us together. I have no doubt that today I am joining a good family with eminent personalities and people who have contributed to the advancement of our dear and great country,” he said.

He said his desire and intention was to work assiduously with the party leaders in the FCT and at the national and state levels to build it and work to make the country better for all.

The event was attended by APC stakeholders from the six area councils and some of its chieftains from Edo, Ibrahim’s home state.

The high point of the event was the presentation of the party’s flag and a broom, its symbol of authority to Ibrahim after his formal registration as a member and his pledge of commitment to the party’s advancement.

(NAN)