By Alfa Tijani.
Alhaji Isah Ibrahim has emerged flag bearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the 2019 House of Representatives election.
Isah, seeking to represent Idah Federal constituency in the green chamber, mopped up all delegate votes in the primaries on Tuesday in Idah.
The state party Chairman, Abdulazeez Arikora, who chaired the election committee, announced the result after 2 pm on Tuesday. He thanked all the delegates for their show of maturity, patience and perseverance.
In his acceptance speech, Isah said: “about three years ago fate beckoned on me to take up the mantle of leadership.
“Five months ago I declared my interest to seek the nomination of our party to contest for the House of Reps . I asked for your support so that together with your continued goodwill, we will secure a fresh mandate to confront the many challenges that are before Idah Federal Constituency. I asked for your trust so that we can continue to expand the political space, promote greater democratic culture and unite our constituency for rapid progress and speedy transformation.
“In the past months , around our constituency , we have witnessed a campaign of unusual intensity within an unconstrained political space and today the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has spoken with one strong voice.
“Indeed, it has been an easy fought contest , because I’m the sole candidate of the party and I am extremely humbled that our delegates have counted me worthy of the honour of bearing the banner of our great party. This victory is not mine alone, it belongs to all people from Idah Federal Constituency who desire a greater tomorrow.
“It is with great humility that I accept the monumental mandate which you have handed over to me as the flag bearer of our great party. This mandate is unique as it makes a decisive statement in the history of our great constituency. This statement is that our people have chosen the progress of our constituency above all other considerations. It is a quantum leap into the great ideals to hold our great constituency together. I promise that within my powers not to disappoint you all. We thank God for making this day possible.
“I thank all the party executives to this primary election for the confidence you have reposed in me. I assure you that I will never let you down.
“In all electoral contests, tempers often rise and nerves are frayed. I therefore humbly appeal to all our supporters, to let go of past differences as we forge ahead to a new dawn and do remember to cast your precious vote in favour of our flag bearer.”
Also speaking , the State Party Secretary, Ben Nwaeke said: “I furthermore very respectfully request the support of our brothers and sisters in Idah Federal Constituency. I plead that we put our differences aside and work together as one strong and indivisible party for success in the upcoming general election.”
“I would be counting on you all to share your wealth of experience, ideas and knowledge in furtherance of our collective desire to make Idah Federal Constituency great again,” he added.
