The newly-registered All Progressives’ Congress (APC) is attempting to catch a big fish by wooing former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida into its fold.
Barely 24 hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed its registration, its national officers, led by the deputy national president, Honourable Bello Masari; deputy national secretary, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; Senator Nazifi Ibrahim from Bauchi State and an unidentified female leader of the party paid a visit to former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, at his residence in Minna, Niger State.
It was further gathered that no sooner than they arrived the Minna country home of the former president that they were ushered into the inner chambers for a closed door meeting.
Attempts by journalists to get access to the visiting APC chieftains were rebuffed by security personnel attached to the residence.
Babangida had on Thursday described as a welcome development, the registration of APC by INEC, adding that he was still a firm believer in two-party system.
Babangida, immediately after his investiture as a Fellow of the International Institute for Leadership and Governance by the chairman of the governing board of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Dr Paddy K. Njoku, at his residence in Minna, said “I have always been and I will continue to be a strong believer of two-party system in the country and I have said it several times that the coming on board of APC is a welcome development.
“With the registration of the party, we will now have vibrant political associations in the polity and as citizens, you would have the chance to join any political party of your choice,” he said.
He, however, advised various political parties participating in the 2015 elections to communicate to Nigerians on what they intended to do for, not only the people, but for the country.
Meanwhile, celebrations have continued among opposition politicians across the country heralding the registration of the new party.
The party has already held mega rallies in Osun and Lagos States, with top government officials attending.
Other high-ranking members such as the governors of Oyo, Ogun and Zamfara States have also applauded the registration, calling it a victory for democracy.