APC national chair Abdullahi Adamu on Tuesday night in Abuja said truth was a casualty going into the ruling party’s three-day national convention climaxing in the presidential primary election.

He noted that presidential contests in all political parties usually heated up the polity.

“It is said that in all serious socio-political contests, truth is the first casualty. It is so in this contest,” said the APC chairman.

Mr Adamu decried unsubstantiated negative media reports against the party in some sections, saying that there was need for the media to ensure factual reporting.

“We recognise the people’s right to freedom of speech and of the press, but all freedoms impose a major responsibility on those who exercise them and how they are exercised,” stated Mr Adamu. “The reckless exercise of that freedom from the high and the low impinges on the rights and responsibilities of all citizens.”He stated this at the party’s special convention and presidential primary election.

“It doesn’t take rocket science to unite a party. It takes sincerity of purpose, commitment and determination to sacrifice our individual interest and ambitions for the larger interest of the party,” explained the APC chair.

Mr Adamu stressed the need for reconciliation in all the party’s state’s chapters.

“Efforts are required to work, perfecting electoral processes in our country, this feat would not have been attained without the cooperation of everyone concerned,” said Mr Adamu. “It is a clear indication that our party has emerged stronger from the grievances, we are united and we are speaking with one voice once more.”

He further noted that at the end of the primaries, the party would begin a @steady march towards the 2023 elections, going by our resolute, commitment to win and win big in all levels of elective offices up for contest.”

Mr Adamu described the convention as the final lap towards the 2023 general elections, adding that the contest of the party’s flag in the coming presidential elections had been robust and statesman-like.

“We welcome all those who threw their hats in the ring, they are patriots. It is a seal to build on the foundation of comprehensive national development laid by President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.

(NAN)