Mustapha, former CPC Leader joins APC Chairmanship race

By Jide Orintunsin, Abuja Former Deputy National Chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and a stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Saliu Mustapha, has declared intention to run for the party’s chairmanship position at the June National Convention. He unveiled his intention to contest for the party’s prime office in an exclusive interview with The Nation in Abuja on Sunday. Mustapha, who was also a former Governorship candidate in Kwara, said his leadership will provide the impetus a party will need to serve as a vehicle for mass development of the country. The chairmanship hopeful said he plans to bring his wealth of experience in party administration to bear by driving a disciplined, focused and inclusive party when elected. He said: “I am showing interest in the party because over the years some of us have gathered experience in party administrations. ” I have been there before now. I was one time the Caretaker national chairman of the defunct CPC one of the legacy parties. ” I was one time organising Secretary of the Congress of Political Parties in Nigeria (CPPN) under late Balarebe Musa as our chairman. I was one time Secretary of the PFP. I serve under Chief Anenih. “We are in the race to make the party a viable vehicle as a platform. And to have a viable vehicle, we must have leadership that is purposeful, discipline and with direction. “A leadership who knows what the people want, so that we can produce candidates for the party that will come and sell themselves to the public and at the same time help the party to achieve its manifesto.” Asked if he has enough war chest to compete with most of the aspirants, who are former Governors, Mustapha said he was not out to compete with other aspirants but to seek their cooperation and endorsement.