Members and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward C, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, have rejected the recent suspension of their ward chairman, Hon. Yusuf Bala Namama, and passed a vote of confidence in his leadership.
The stakeholders, comprising party members, supporters and ward executive members, said the decision followed a careful assessment of Namama’s leadership, commitment, conduct and contributions to the development of the party at the grassroots.
Namama, alongside other party members, was recently suspended by the Lokoja Local Government APC leadership for attending a town hall meeting organised by Senator Sunday Steve Karimi in Lokoja. The suspension drew criticism from some party stakeholders, who questioned its basis and warned that it could undermine party unity and discourage members from participating in legitimate political engagements.
However, in a statement issued by the Ward C stakeholders, they said Namama had demonstrated dedication, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility in administering the party at the ward level. They noted that effective grassroots leadership required patience, consultation, accessibility, fairness and the ability to foster unity, stressing that Namama had consistently demonstrated these qualities.
The stakeholders commended his efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots structure, promote participation among members, and sustain communication and cooperation within the ward. They also acknowledged his willingness to listen to members, engage stakeholders and collaborate with various groups within the party, including elders, women, youths and other committed party members, describing such inclusive leadership as essential to building a stronger, more organised and united APC at the grassroots.
The stakeholders maintained that, at a time when unity, discipline and collective responsibility were essential to the continued growth and success of the APC, it was appropriate to publicly reaffirm their confidence in the ward chairman. They expressed confidence in Namama’s experience, commitment and understanding of the grassroots political environment, saying he remained capable of contributing meaningfully to the progress of Ward C and the party as a whole.
They therefore urged him to remain steadfast in the discharge of his responsibilities, uphold fairness and transparency, maintain an open-door policy, and give due consideration to the legitimate concerns and aspirations of party members. They also encouraged him to continue working collaboratively with party leaders, stakeholders and members in the collective interest of the APC.
The stakeholders further called on all APC members in Ward C to remain united, loyal, disciplined and committed to the ideals and objectives of the party, urging them to resolve differences of opinion through dialogue, consultation and the appropriate party structures, rather than through actions capable of weakening the unity and cohesion of the ward.
“In view of the foregoing, we hereby pass a resounding vote of confidence in Hon. Yusuf Bala Namama, Chairman, APC Ward C, Lokoja Local Government Area, and reaffirm our support, goodwill and confidence in his continued leadership and service to the party,” the stakeholders stated.
They prayed for God to grant Namama wisdom, strength, sound judgment and the capacity to continue serving the party and its members with sincerity and dedication, stressing that the vote of confidence was made in good faith and in the collective interest of the All Progressives Congress, Ward C, Lokoja Local Government Area, Kogi State.
