Al-Makura's Declaration: The March To APC's Resurgence Begins - Segun Tomori

Like a thunderbolt, the news of Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura's official declaration to vie for the National Chairmanship of the All Progressives Congress (APC) filtered in, and spread like wild fire, Monday evening, 4th October, 2021.

His Excellency as we fondly call him had travelled to base, Lafia, Nasarawa State for the grand finale campaigns of the forth-coming Local Government elections. As a grassroots politician, with deep connection to the people, that was not unexpected, but what was not expected was the deft move to use the platform to make an official declaration - a bold statement to reaffirm the maxim that "all politics is local".

For about 8 months, we at the campaign organisation have led the advocacy for Al-Makura's candidacy, criss-crossed the length and breadth of the country to market the credentials and antecedents of the man we know is the best man for the job. Asides consultations, a policy document that will serve as a manifesto was crafted, a media and publicity masterplan was also designed but the postponement of the National Convention from June, brought a lull into our activities. Now that "Oga" has declared, we are about to go full throttle!

The major attributes of Sen. Al-Makura that makes him the ideal candidate for the times is his calm and collected demeanour, his administrative acumen and political pedigree acquired over several decades, first as a Youth Leader of the defunct NPN in the old Plateau State, 1980, to being a member of the constituent assembly (1988- 89), then his stint as State Secretary in the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) from 1990 to 1992, to building a very successful business empire before becoming the Governor of Nasarawa State.

From our consultations over the past few months, we have also deduced that his widespread support stems from the fact that he is a bridge-builder that is accommodating to all, irrespective of tribe and religion. That APC needs such a unifier at this time as we race towards the 2023 General elections cannot be overemphasised.

In the coming days, we will be coming out with our campaign policy document to sell the Al-Makura manifesto to APC members and stakeholders across the country. We don't just say he is capable, we want to show you and convince you why he is, and why he should get the support of all and sundry. Should I throw a little light on what the Al-Makura agenda entails? No, I won't, before it becomes plagiarised. Laughs!

But we can assure APC Faithful that at the core of Al-Makura's agenda is the resolve to bequeath a discernible ideology for the party, institutionalise a reward system, sustain the legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari amongst others. The need to carve a niche for the APC to make it distinct from others in outlook and actions is key to sustaining our winning streak in 2023 and beyond.

Indeed, with Al-Makura, we will see a resurgence of the progressive ideals of our great party and more importantly building better - as a cohesive entity, based on the principle of fairplay, justice and regard for all members. Having listened to the Senator severally in private meetings, he struck me as someone that has a deep conviction and understanding of how the party should play a pivotal role in charting the path for progressive governance, from the Federal Government down to the grassroots.

For now with the official declaration, the train is now on the move, with an unstoppable velocity! "APC on the march again, looking for Mr Chairman, on the march again, Al-Makura... Is The MAN oooo"!!!


*_Segun Tomori* is the Director of Media & Publicity of the Al-Makura Support Organisation (ASO), the official campaign organization for the Al-Makura Chairmanship bid.._

Rr