TheCable

The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it has developed a handbook for its proposed “Progressive Institute” in an effort to promote good governance.

Over the years, the ruling party has considered creating its own institute.

Speaking at an event in Abuja on Saturday, Abdullahi Ganduje, APC national chairman, said the handbook was put together as part of efforts to establish a resource centre.

Ganduje said the ruling party is determined to leverage on science and technology to deepen democracy in the country.

“Our leadership is conscious of its historical responsibility to promote these ideals,” the former governor of Kano said.

“The Progressive Institute will play a dual role for the APC. It will function as a Think Tank as well as an intellectual Resource Centre. As a think tank, it will undertake research either on its own or under the directives of the party, focusing on policies and programmes of governments under the APC platform.

“This will enhance the capacity to effectively play its role. It will also undertake capacity building activities for our members.

“In both roles, the centre will carry out research on progressive ideals and their programmatic implications while also developing the curriculum for ideological training for members of the APC including those in government.

“It is important to emphasize the determination of our party to raise the quality of political discourse in the country through very well defined ideological prisms.”

On his part, Ajibola Basiru, APC national secretary, said the handbook will distinguish the party from others.

“Our secretariat is open to all,” Basiru said.

“Our bureaucracy and policies are designed to help politicians who are ready to serve the people and not just to get to public office.”