STATEMENT OF DECLARATION OF INTEREST TO CONTEST ELECTION INTO THE POSITION OF NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) BY ABUBAKAR SIDIQ USMAN     (ABU SIDIQ)

More than five years ago, political actors and gladiators from different parts of the country put heads together to birth what is known today as the All Progressives Congress. The purpose of that creation is “to construct a progressive state anchored on social democracy, where the welfare and security of citizens are paramount.” While the party has faced some challenges in achieving this well thought out objective especially coming into government at a time the nation was on the brink of collapse, there is no doubt that the governing All Progressives Congress is making a steady and sustainable progress in the nation’s development.

As the governing party makes progress in this direction, everything must be put in place to ensure that the process is not truncated. Doing this, will require that the party continue to hold sway at the centre and win even more states, the national and state assemblies and the local government. While this can be achieved by managing the process that enthrones efficient relationship with the Nigerian public, equally important is a highly skilled and experience person to drive that process.

It is on the basis of the above that I have decided to be of service to the party with the intent of joining hands with other officials to move it forward. It is therefore my pleasure to formally declare my intention to contest for the position of the National Publicity Secretary of our great party, the All Progressives Congress in the June 2018 national convention.

I offer myself for this position with the readiness to deploy a different but an all-encompassing approach towards propagating the party’s values and ideologies. Over the years, I have demonstrated the ability and the capacity of a reputable media practitioner and this I have used to the great advantage of my party, the All Progressives Congress.

Having held the position of Communication Director of the All Progressives Youth Forum (APYF), served as a member of the media committee of the 2015 Presidential Campaign Council of our great party and currently head the digital media unit of the Buhari Media Organisation in addition to my vast experience in managing media for individuals and organisations, I have the requisite knowledge to function effectively in this office.

I am convinced about my active involvement in the formation, growth and success of our great party and believe that I am committed and loyal enough to join others to further reposition our Party for the tasks ahead especially in the management of her image.

My mission is to introduce a political public relations mechanism that encompasses a two way process that will be both beneficial to the party, her members and the Nigerian public. Information on happenings in the party will be passed to the public and in return give the party insights into public opinions about its plans, programmes and activities. In addition to that, I intend to synergise the media and communication relationship between the party organs at the national, state, local government and ward level on one hand and the various arms of government on the other hand.

I shall also use my years of media experience and expertise to employ relevant and target based communication techniques that will spread the political influence of the party. A good example will be in the usage of famous and successful people to speak on critical issues of the party.

With a good understanding of the place of media management for a political party, I will strive to set agenda that will maximize positive press coverage and minimize the negative ones for the party. I will also manage the political image of the party in a manner that will promote trust and match the interest of the party with that of the public.

My intention to run, having received the endorsement of young members of the party and other critical stakeholder cutting across class and demography, is not only an advantage to the party, but also an opportunity to revive the hope of Nigerian youth who may have lost hope in participating in activities that defines their future. Apart from my resolve to reposition and digitally transform the communication arm of the party, I believe that my election as the National Publicity Secretary will satisfy the call for youth inclusion in politics and governance and encourage young people to join the APC.

As I take on this bold step, I express my commitment to be an engaging National Publicity Secretary that will work to create transparency about how the party operates and be an advocate for all party members. I will use my position to engage Nigerians and initiate engagement with the Nigerian youths on ways to galvanize actions towards moving Nigeria forward.

Long live the All Progressives Congress (APC)

Thank you and God bless

PROFILE OF ABUBAKAR SIDIQ USMAN

Abubakar Sidiq Usman, popularly known as Abu Sidiq is a young Nigerian from the central senatorial district of Kogi state. Born into a family of xi in Lokoja, Abu Sidiq attended St Anthony Nursery and Primary School Lokoja from where he proceeded to Federal Government College Ugwolawo in Kogi Stateto obtain his Senior School Certificate (SSC).

He earned his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the Federal University of Technology Minna and did his mandatory service year at the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC).

While serving, Abu Sidiq co-founded Urban Dimensions Limited, a service player in the built environment industry which he still oversees as the Managing Director. The company has consulted for individuals, organisations and government bodies in urban and environmental planning; building construction and project management.

With his love and passion for the media, Abu Sidiq ventured into online publishing with the setting up of an online platform known as Abusidiqu.com.

Managed by Abusidiqu Media Limited, which has equally rendered services in branding and communication, Abusidiqu.com has contributed largely in promoting political awareness and the participation of Nigerians in the governance and political process.

Not forgetting his professional background, Abu Sidiq returned to the Federal University of Technology Minna for further studies where he obtained a master degree in Sustainable Urban Development (SUD). He is currently undergoing his second master degree in Society and Development Studies at the University of Abuja.

In and outside the university, Abu Sidiq has undergone training and capacity building in leadership and development and has held various positions in a number of organisations, many of which has contributed in shaping him for the tasks of today. Abu Sidiq is an Associate member of the Nigerian Leadership Institute (NLI). He was the National Association of Urban and Regional Planning Students, where he helped in reviving the near death organisation and promoted the welfare of the students. He was also the Editor in Chief of Junior Chambers International (JCI) at the university and also founded the Association of Campus Journalists at the same institution.

Abu Sidiq is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) having being a member of the Congress for Progressives Change, one of the legacy parties that metamorphosed into the APC. As a young politician, Abu Sidiq is a member of the All Progressives Youth Forum (APYF), a youth organisation within the All Progressives Congress (APC) which has helped to ensure that Nigerian youth participate in the political process. With his role as the Communications Director of the forum, many young people who hitherto abhorred politics are now actively involved and this largely contributed to the success of the APC in the 2015 general election.

He was a member of the Media committee of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council for the 2015 presidential election and currently heads the Digital Media Unit as well as the situation room of the Buhari Media Organisation. Usman is also the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Consolidation Ambassadors Network (NCAN), an advocacy and mobilisation group for the realisation of the second term ambition of President Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

Abu Sidiq is a registered Town Planner with the Town Planners Registration Council (TOPREC) and a full member of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP). He is also a member of City Managers Association of Nigeria (CMAN) and an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).