Following the conduct of ward congresses by the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Katsina State, the party’s stakeholders have expressed optimism that the outcome of the exercise is a sign of victory for the party in the coming general elections.

At a weekend press briefing, the stakeholders said the peaceful nature of the exercise, as well as the large turnout of members, showed that the APC is still the most formidable in the state.

Speaking, the Chairman, Ward and Local Government Congress Appeal Committee of the party, Jamilu Zaki, said the outcome of the congresses attests to the transparency, fairness and level playing field that the party has given to all its members.

Zaki, who commended the members for conducting themselves in an orderly manner during the exercise, said the fairness in the conduct of the exercise has further reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to internal democracy, discipline and unity.

He said, “The outcome attests to the fairness, transparency and local conduct of the screening committee across all wards,” adding that no single appeal, petition or complaint was submitted for consideration.

Speaking, Chairman of the screening committee, Dr Bashir Boni, said that the screening was conducted without any challenges, adding that they confirmed the membership status of all the candidates and submitted all the required documents to the committee before the congresses.

Boni commended the Local Organising Committee for their efforts, which contributed to the screening exercise’s success.

On his part, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Abdulkadir Nasir, said the congresses were conducted hitch-free across the state’s 361 wards in the 34 Local Government Areas.

Nasir, who doubles as the Chief of Staff to the state governor, said the success of the exercise was due to measures taken by govement to ensure an improved security situation across the state.

He said the committees were tasked with producing party leaders for another term who would build the party towards progress, especially ahead of the upcoming general elections.

He assured that the exercise was conducted in accordance with the rules and guidelines enshrined in the party’s constitution, even as he reiterated the party’s commitment to ensure a level playing field for all members.