The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reiterated that state governors remain the undisputed leaders of the party in their respective states, while stressing the importance of inclusive and collaborative leadership.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, stated this on Tuesday while appearing on Politics Today on Channels Television.
Morka explained that although governors serve as the political heads of the party at the state level, the APC encourages a collegiate leadership model that recognises the role of other influential party stakeholders.
“In many cases, we encourage a collective model of leadership. The governor may be the political head, but there are other eminent political leaders in our states whose involvement in decision-making is critical to the success of both the party and the government,” he said.
He noted that while the media often views leadership in a linear manner, the party understands that effective governance and party administration require collaboration among key leaders within each state.
“Governors are unquestionably the leaders of our party in their states. But they also understand that there are leaders they must work with to deliver quality governance and ensure effective party management,” Morka added.
On the issue of political defections, the APC spokesman said the party remains open to welcoming any Nigerian who chooses to join. Still, he dismissed claims that the party is luring or baiting prominent politicians.
“We are open to receiving any Nigerian who wishes to join our party. But no one is baiting anyone. These eminent leaders are joining of their own free will,” he said.
Reacting to speculations about potential defections, particularly involving Kano State, Morka said such decisions are voluntary and cannot be tied to specific timelines.
“Kano is one of Nigeria’s most important states. If a governor decides to join our party, that decision is made freely and voluntarily. You can’t speak of dates in such matters,” he stated.
Morka also defended the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying the reforms introduced over the past two years are beginning to yield positive results.
“Yes, the beginning was difficult because fundamental decisions had to be made. But two years on, we are seeing those reforms bear fruit. The economy of today is not the economy of two years ago. We are far ahead of where we started,” he said.
According to him, governors and political leaders joining the APC are doing so because they want to identify with President Tinubu’s vision and be part of what he described as a “success story” and the promise of a resurgent Nigeria.
“These are leaders from massive states, in terms of population and resources. You don’t bait them. They have chosen to join because they want to be part of this great national story,” Morka concluded.
