An indigene of Anambra State, Edwin Chukwujekwu, on Friday, was elected as the Assistant Secretary of APC, Bolari East Ward in the Gombe Local Government Area of Gombe State.

Nr Chukwujekwu, alonside other ward executive members, emerged through party consensus.

Reacting to his emergence in an interview with journalists, he said that his election “reflected APC’s democratic maturity, especially in promoting national unity”.

He described his election as an inspiration to non-indigenes in the state, pointing out that the party showed its respect for inclusiveness “and does not discriminate against its members.”

Mr Chukwujekwu said, “I feel happy being among the party leaders at the grassroots. My election reflects the nationality of the party and I advise my other Igbo kinsmen and women to try to play along with the party. We are not excluded in the party. We are fully accommodated.

“With my election, it means we are included and not excluded in any form at all. I have been here for the past four years and now elected into the ward executive of the party.”

He also advised other non-indigenes in the state to participate in party politics, pointing out that Gombe State APC “has shown that it is open to all Nigerians.”

Mr Chukwujekwu commended the state Governor Inuwa Yahaya, for his inclusive governance, which resulted in the choice of an Igbo man as his Special Assistant on Inter-Community Affairs.

The list of the ward executives that emerged from the 10 wards in the Gombe LGA was presented to the Chairman of the Ward and Local Government Congress Committee for the state, Dr Danjuma Dabo.

Announcing the names of the officials at the Gombe Local Government Secretariat, Mr Dabo said that “election through consensus is part of the APC Constitution.”

He expressed satisfaction with the peace and understanding that characterised the entire exercise.

He urged party stakeholders in the state to remain steadfast and maintain the unity exhibited during the congresses.

According to him, such unity remains key to strengthening the party and ensuring its success in 2027.

(NAN)