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  • APC convention: Court refuses to stop Lagos’ delegates

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused a motion seeking to restrain the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising Lagos State delegates for Saturday’s national convention of the party.

    Justice Babatunde Quadri, who read a ruling prepared by Justice Binta Nyako, said the motion for interlocutory injunction filed by a member of the APC in Lagos, Bunmi Tayo Church,was without merit. He dismissed it.

    Justice Quadri said it was wrong to grant the orders sought by Church when all those to be affected by the court’s pronouncement,who emerged from the Ward, local government and state congresses of the party in Lagos, were not before the court and had not been heard.

    “This application cannot be granted because all the parties to be affected by the reliefs sought are not before the court. The application therefore fails,” the judge said.

    He proceeded to grant accelerated hearing in the substantive suit currently pending before Justice Nyako.

    Justice Quadri said he was asked by Justice Nyako, who was bereaved, to help read the ruling which she already prepared and signed.

    He said the Federal High Court’s Civil Procedure Rules, under Order 23 Rule 2, allows that where a judge is bereaved, another judge can deliver a ruling signed by the judge handling the case.

    Church, whose substantive suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/ 583/18, is challenging the outcome of the last Ward, Local Government and State congresses of the APC in Lagos State, had sought the interlocutory injunctions pending the determination of the main suit.

    He urged the court, in the motion, to restrain defendants – APC and INEC – “from according recognition or giving effect to the results of the 1st defendant’s (APC) Lagos chapter’s purported Ward congress, Local Government congress and State congress pending the determination of the substantive suit.”

    In his affidavit supporting the main suit, Church, who claimed to be interested in contesting for the party’s Chairmanship position in Mushin Local Government in Lagos, said he would have realised his ambition and become a delegate, but for the unlawful way the congresses were conducted.

    It is his contention that the congresses conducted in Lagos were in violation of the party’s constitution, its guidelines for the conduct of Ward, LG and state congresses and the Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).

    Church’s lawyer, Akin Olujinmi (SAN), had while arguing the motion on June 14, contended that, since the APC’s national convention was scheduled for June 23, there was need to preserve the res (subject) of the substantive suit.

    Bola Aidi, who represented that APC queried the competence of the motion for interlocutory injunctions and urged the court to refuse it.

    INEC’s lawyer Alhassan Umar also urged the court to refuse the motion on the grounds that it contains similar prayers as those contained in the substantive suit.

    The ruling is a blow for the Fuad Oki group, claiming to be a faction of the Lagos APC.

    Chairman of Lagos APC Alhaji Tunde Balogun, expressed joy at the verdict. He was in court to personally hear the ruling.

    He said the applicant, an ally of outgoing APC National legal Adviser Muiz Banire, was seeking to drag the APC leadership and membership down based on framed-up excuse.

    One of the aspirants for All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Prof. Osarhiemen Osunbor, has pulled out of the race.

    He said Adams Oshiomhole is experienced enough to lead the party.

    Osunbor who visited Oshiomhole’s campaign headquarters in company of his wife, explained that he earlier joined the race not to fight Oshiomhole as being insinuated but to see how he could contribute his quota to the growth of the party.

    He said: “I came here specially in solidarity with my wife and I want to say that you have the experience and all it takes to lead APC. I want to state here that I never joined the race to fight you, never.

    “I appreciate the relationship which has existed between your family and mine over the years. I do not want this to destroy our relationship. I am happy the President is with you and majority of our party leaders are with you and I have great respect for Mr President.

    “I am stepping down for you and to support you because you are my brother, my friend and a man that is well respected across the country.

    Oshiomhole expressed joy for the visit, saying he would work with leaders like Osunbor to move the party forward.

    “I think we have a huge challenge ahead after the convention and we will need people like Osunbor to assist. I am happy you decided to withdraw because somehow I was worried due to the relationship we have enjoyed over the years,” he said.

  • APC convention and some irrelevant undercurrents

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairmanship race has preoccupied the attention of observers since the preparations for the national convention started. Assistant Editor JIDE BABALOLA examines the undercurrents that have pervaded the party’s preparation for the exercise.

    Is there any likelihood that the abortive tenure elongation plot has been replaced by a plot to have a National Working Committee that can overwhelm the incoming National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC)? Some concerned party members think so.

    As the APC prepares for its national convention scheduled for Saturday (June 23), irreverent undercurrents spurred by the abortive tenure elongation plot appear to be at work still. In due course, current fears may soon turn out to be either justified or not.

    Altogether, some 160 aspirants are now jostling for positions and lobbying the 6,800 delegates for support. The chances of former Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, appear bright. Yet, there are suspicions that other interests may be working on a long-term plan to dilute or neutralize his powers as APC’s national chairman.

    Indeed, for a party with such large followership, as the APC has, it would be naïve to assume that everyone genuinely subscribes to the high ideals it pursues. Nonetheless, it would be a sad development for numerous progressive-minded members who had witnessed the unfolding narrow agenda before, to now be subjected to yet another manipulative agenda. Even people outside the party were shocked when some elements once hatched plots to water down the influence of the party leader who created the template for the APC and its eventual electoral victory.

    Nevertheless, the needless intrigues surrounding the tenure elongation plot aimed towards artificially sustaining Chief John Odigie-Oyegun in office as National Chairman evolved until it was effectively checked.

    Following the failure of the effort invested in the tenure elongation plot that would have seen Oyegun in office till well after next Saturday’s national convention, three broad tendencies seem apparent across the party. The first comprises those who feel concerned about the capacity of the party to conduct two conventions in a matter of few months and still keep its cohesion. Then, there are those who had hoped that having pocketed the national leadership of the party, they’ll subsequently sail through the primary of the party, waving a banner of conquest. Yet, there are others who hoped that the few months’ grace would afford the party the time to craft a better reward system and sort out itself properly.

    Looking back now, most party members would readily agree that President Muhammadu Buhari saved the party’s soul and ensured its survival by the decisive act of declining to endorse Oyegun’s tenure elongation and then, speaking against the idea.

    As commendable as this appears to be, it is not without consequences. From the perspective of many party members, especially those who do not feel enamoured by Oyegun, one major consequence, they say, is that the chairman and his loyalists felt so hard done and were ready for the house to collapse; hence, the shoddy congresses in various states. Even in Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s base, Lagos State, an attempt was made to encourage a parallel exco. It is also felt that several governors had been initially conscripted into putting pressure on President Buhari towards adopting Oyegun, but the entire game plan unraveled woefully.

    Now, without a tenure elongation plot, the incoming national chairman’s seemingly wide powers can be effectively checkmated by an NWC dominated by irreverent thoughts. Currently, filling of the position of APC’s National Chairman seems very settled, with maximum support for ex-governor and labour leader, Oshiomhole.

    Provisions of Article 14 in APC’s constitution accords the National Chairman much powers and influence, as it states that the National Chairman shall: be the Chief Executive, Accounting Officer and shall preside over the meetings of the National Executive Committee and the National Working Committee of the party; provide good and effective leadership to the party; uphold the Constitution and defend the name, policies and programmes of the party; be a signatory to the accounts of the party; direct the due execution of the programmes of the party; give lawful directives to all officers, organs, and members of the party at all levels; have a casting vote in the event of a tie in the meetings of the party over which he presides; ensure the implementation of the directives of all superior organs of the party, namely the National Convention, the Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee and the National Caucus; and perform such other functions as may be assigned to him from time to time by the National convention, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee and/or the National Working Committee.

    Conscious of the National Chairman’s wide and deep authority, perhaps, one body through which his influence can be tactically eroded is the National Working Committee. According to some, the very influential former governor from the Southsouth and his loyalists may have perfected plans to dominate the NWC and invoke its powers whenever such is desired.

    Article 13.4 of the APC’s constitution outlines the roles and powers of the NWC as follows: “The National Working Committee shall be responsible for the Administration of the Party and putting into effect the decisions of the National Executive Committee. To that end, the National Working Committee shall carry out the day to day running of the affairs of the party.

    “It shall in particular: prepare the agenda for the National Convention subject to ratification by the National Executive Committee; prepare and submit reports and budgets for consideration of the National Convention subject to the ratification of the National Executive Committee; provide financial guidelines for the approval of the National Convention subject to the ratification of the National Executive Committee; propose policies and programmes for the Party, which shall be considered by the National Executive Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees; propose to the National Executive Committee, Party electoral Regulations, to govern the conduct of elections to all party offices at every level and to 30 govern the Procedure for selecting candidates for elective offices, subject to the provisions of this Constitution; invite such person(s) as it deems necessary, desirable or expedient, to attend meeting(s) and take part in deliberations provided that such invited person(s) shall have no voting right; have power to make Standing Orders for the approval of the National Executive Committee and ratification by the Board of Trustees; deal with any other matters referred to it by the National Executive Committee or the Board of Trustees; deal with appeals and other problems referred to it by the State Working Committee, and or coming from the zones and states of the federation; establish Ad-hoc and, or Standing Committees of the Party and appoint members to such Committees; examine the actions, policies and programmes pursued and legislations made by the Governments of the Federation from time to time in order to determine whether or not they are in accordance with the manifesto and the Constitution of the party and if not to make recommendations to the National Executive Committee for its action; recommend for approval by the National Executive Committee, the proportion of income from subscription from each Ward, Local Government Area/Area Council and States that shall be remitted to the National Office.

  • APC Convention: Abiola’s son joins race for Youth Leader

    Ahead of the weekend national Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), son of late MKO Abiola, Abdulmumin Abiola, has joined the race for the party’s National Youth Leader.

    Abiola said he decided to join the race because of his believe in the ruling party and that he had what it takes to give the youths the much-needed direction to move the nation forward.

    According to him, since he returned to the country in 2007, he had always been thinking about how to contribute to the system and make a difference.

    The son of the late business mogul said he had been working hard to make the youth contribute their quota to the development of the country.

    He  said he did not join the race for the APC Youth leader due to the recent recognition of his late father by President Muhammadu Buhari, but to make his own mark.

  • Clear out of Oyegun NWC likely at APC convention

    APart from National Secretary Mai Mala Buni and one or two others, the other members of the Oyegun-led Natioal Working Committee (NWC) are not likely to retain their positions at Saturday’s national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), it was learnt yesterday.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, according to the source, had told party leaders of his interest in three key positions – National Chairman, National Secretary and National Organising Secretary.

    Apart from National Chairman Chief John Odigie Oyegun, the President might have also told National Organising Secretary Senator Osita Izunaso, not to seek re-election.

    While Oyegun backed down, Izunaso has been pushinmg ahead by arranging endorsements from varius organs in the south east for his bid.

    The source said many members of the NWC might have designed a plot to ensure that they retain their positions through the preparation of a unity list for the goverors to ratify at today’s meeting.

    An aspirants for the office of National Vice Chairman North-east, Dr. Umar Duhu, said no one had convened a meeting in his zone.

    Duhu said “it will be laughable to suggest among others that, the meeting of APC governors will produce a  unity list without recourse to the aspirants.”

    Another aspirant contesting the office of National Youth Leader, who pleaded not to be named said: “any attempt by the party to select some contestants will be met with serious resistance at the convention venue.”

  • 42 posts up for grabs at APC convention

    No fewer than 20 candidates have been returned unopposed as members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    There will be election into 42 positions by delegates to the party’s National Convention in Abuja on Saturday.

    A member of the Media Subcommittee of the National Convention Committee (NCC)  Mrs.  Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stated this last night.

    She said: “The meeting today is about getting set for the convention which is going ahead as scheduled and taking place at the Eagle Square in Abuja on Saturday.

    “Screening has been done ; there are 20  positions that are unopposed. So, there are 42 positions to be contested.

    “Some people were disqualified, for example if you are 40 years and going for national youth leader, you know you will be disqualified or you don’t have the requisite educational qualification.

    ” The bottom line is that this convention is going ahead. And we are not aware of the existence of a unity list. This is not true, there is no unity list.

    “But of course, consensus is allowed, affirmation is allowed. Some people are running unopposed. There’s no such list as Unity list, if you see any list it is a fake list

    “The election will be held where and it will be free, fair and credible.”

    She added that the Appeal Committee will sit today on some of the cases.

    She said talks were ongoing among contestants, “there is still the possibility of some candidates stepping down for others in line with the constitution of the party.

    “Like I said, there is room for consensus but we have to be careful with the issue of consensus. You may see persons coming with unity list, such list is fake and does not emanate from APC.”

  • APC convention: I’m best for women leader, says Eluma

    Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajia. Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma, has unfolded plans for the involvement of women in the party’s decision making, if voted as the Women Leader.

    She promised to fight for the inclusion of women in the political process by making the party leadership to implement the decision on the reservation of 30 percent of elective and appointive positions for women.

    Umar-Eluma, who has picked the form for the position of women leader at the APC National Secretariat, said her tenure will be the most remarkable in the history of the party. The Kogi State-born politician  has been endorsed by women in the state.

    She spoke with reporters in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said women’s loyalty to the ruling party will be highly rewarded under his tenure.

    Umar-Eluma said: “We have had women leaders in the past. They have done their best for the party thus far. But, we have decided that the office should be more influential to harness good development to our nation and women.

    “Kogi APC has agreed to involve women in politics, even more than the percentage expected nationally. That is why we have come to the conclusion where influential people should be at the national for a good voice where it matters.”

    Hailing women in Kogi for supporting her ambition, she added: “This is the first time where one is contesting for a position that concerns one political party, the APC; that other party members are fully in support. I have never in my life witnessed such a big support from Nigerians and Kogites. Even, PDP APDA and SDP women have shown me love and they are ready to work with me in a bid to advance the cause of women and national development.”

    The aspirant thanked Governor Yahaya Bello, his deputy, Elder Achuba, the Chief of Staff, Chief Edward Onoja and other party leaders for endorsing him for the position.

    She said: “This dream will be a reality. For it to me a reality, you must support me to the end. I will never disappoint women, if I am elected as women leader.”

  • APC Convention Committee dismisses Unity list

    The National Convention committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the existence of a unity list ahead of this weekend’s elective convention.
    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora Matters and member of the Publicly sub committee, Mrs. Abike Dabiri Erewa told newsmen at the end of a meeting of the convention committee that any unity list being paraded is fake and should be disregarded.
    She also said the Screening Appeals Committee headed IMO state governor, Rochas Okorocha was yet to submit it’s report.
    There has been intense lobby by those contesting the various National Working Committee position for inclusion in the unity list which is believed to be the list of preferred candidates by leaders of the party.
    President Muhammadu Buhari is said to have directed the governors of the party to ensure a hitch free convention and to do everything possible to ensure that the convention is devoid of rancour.
    The convention is expected elect 21 members of the National Working Committee as well as their deputies and zonal officers.
    While dismissing the unity list, Dabiri-Erewa said there was no unity list, but there was room for affirmation and consensus by contestants and delegates alike.
    While not giving details, she said 20 positions were going unopposed, while 42 others both at the zonal and national level will be contested during the convention.
    The meeting today is about getting set for the convention which is going ahead as scheduled and is taking place at Eagles square Abuja
    Screening has been done ; there is twenty positions that is going unopposed, so there’s 42 position to be contested. Some people were disqualified, for example if you are 40 years and going for national youth leader, you know you will be disqualified or you don’t have requisite educational qualification.
    “The bottom line is that this convention is going ahead. And we here of the existence of a unity list. This is not true, there is no unity list. But of course consensus is allowed, affirmation is allowed. And of course as I said some people are running unopposed.
    There’s no such list as Unity list, if see any list, it is a fake list. The election will be held, and it will be free, fair and credible,” she said .
    She said the Screening Appeals committee was yet to submit it’s report as it was still sitting on some of the cases before it.
    She explained that talks are currently ongoing among contestants adding that there is still possibility of some of.the candidates stepping for others in line with the constitution of the party.
    She said “like i said, there is room for consensus. But we have to be careful with the issue of consensus. You may see persons coming with unity list, such list is fake and does not emanate from the APC.”

  • APC convention: 19 aspirants disqualified

    •Appeal Committee submits report Monday

    THE 19 aspirants have been booted out of the race for various offices at the forthcoming national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the screening Appeal Committee has stated.

    The committee, however, said their cases would be reviewed strictly on merit.

    It added it has received 16 petitions from party members against disqualification or some of the aspirants the committee screened.

    Chairman of the Appeals Subcommittee, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, told newsmen during one of the sittings of the committee yesterday it has not received any petition against any of those aspiring for the offices of the national chairman and national secretary.

    He disclosed that the committee hopes to submit its final report to the convention committee tomorrow, adding that aside petitions against some of the aspirants, there was one general petition demanding for justice.

    The Imo State governor added, the petitioner wanted to know if members of the National Working Committee can be judged in their own cases having presided over the various congresses.

    According to him: “We have started receiving petitions and appeals. Right now, we have seven aspirants here.

    “We have resolved to give everyone a fair hearing so that justice, equity and fairness will prevail so that we prevent crisis in the party.

    “We are carefully selected Nigerians from all works of life from different states that constitute membership of this committee.

    “We have two days to do this job and we will be submitting our report by Monday barring any other reason. We are here to work all day and all night and take our decision.

    “The screening appeal is the final appeal in this case. After this appeal committee, the next appeal will be after election appeal which will come after the convention.”

    He added: “We are unmindful of the fact the convention committee will need time to start printing of ballot papers for the convention and so, we will ensure that we complete this job on time.

    “So far, we have about 18 petitions before us and we have 19 persons that did not make it at the screening level.

    “These are the things we are looking to see the merit or otherwise of their claims. We are going to use the screening committee report as a major guide to what we are doing.

    “As soon as we are through with this, we are going to make it known to the public those who have succeeded at the appeals committee level.”

    On those who were petitioned against, he said: “Of course we have petitions against all other positions except that of the national chairman and national secretary.”

    On whether the committee has powers to disqualify those already screened and qualified, he said: “Yes, if you don’t make the appeal screening, you are disqualified because there is no other appeal after this.

    “If the appeals committee upholds the position of the screening on the 19 persons, it means they have been disqualified from contesting the election.

    “If there is anybody who has been screened and there is a petition against him, we have powers to uphold his qualification or disqualify him based on the merits of the petition.”

  • APC CONVENTION: Emerging face of ruling party

    As the ruling, All Progressives Congress (APC) rounds off preparations for its June 23, 2018 national convention, Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu and Assistant Editor, ‘Dare Odufowokan, report on the intrigues and issues that will shape the exercise and how they will help to evolve a new APC

    SINCE its emergence as the ruling party in 2015, many observers and stakeholders have expressed fear that All Progressives Congress (APC) may not survive an elective national convention. The anxiety is a response to the circumstances that surrounded the formation of the party, especially; the way different political forces and interest groups came together then to form the mega party shortly before the historic general election.

    Just five days away, Saturday, June 23rd, Abuja, the nation’s capital, will play host to the ruling party as it shows the world whether it is strong and resilient enough to survive the internal crises that have threatened to make its emergence on the political scene of the country short-lived. On that day, all the gladiators within the party will assemble, with many other stakeholders in attendance, to elect new leaders for the party.

    It is believed that that day, all the permutations and manipulations of the last two years, following APC’s defeat of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 Presidential Election and the swearing in of the current administration on May 29, 2015, will be put to rest, as the party will elect a new National Working Committee (NWC) to replace the outgoing Chief John Odigie-Oyegun-led committee.

    Contrary to anxieties earlier expressed in many quarters over the forthcoming convention, party sources say the convention is most likely to go without any rancour as several efforts have been made and are being made to ensure that all interest groups within the party are carried along in the process that will eventually produce the next national leadership of the ruling party.

    Across the country, meetings and deals continued all through the week as party chieftains reach out to various interest groups to form alliances and reach accords concerning the various party positions.

    Also, following the announcement by the party that the previous zoning arrangement that produced the current executive members will be retained, party sources said each zone are working out arrangements to further sub-zone the offices amicably.

    Zoning

    The APC 2018 National Convention Planning Committee had earlier announced positions to be contested as well as guidelines for the party’s forthcoming elective convention. In a statement issued by the former Secretary of the Committee, Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu, the National Convention Committee also revealed the zoning arrangements. The decision to retain the zoning arrangement appears a popular one as no dissenting voice has been heard since it was announced.

    According to the announcement, the Northcentral zone will produce the following positions; National Vice Chairman (North Central), National Publicity Secretary, National Women Leader, Deputy National Treasurer and Deputy National Welfare Secretary. The Northeast zone will go home with the National Secretary, National Vice Chairman (Northeast), National Youth Leader, Deputy National Auditor. Northwest will produce the Deputy National Chairman (North), National Vice Chairman (NW), National Treasurer, National Welfare Secretary, Deputy National Organising Secretary.

    Southeast zone is billed to produce the National Auditor, National Vice Chairman (SE), National Organising Secretary, Deputy National Financial Secretary, Deputy National Women Leader.

    South-south zone is to produce the National Chairman, National Vice Chairman (SS), Deputy National Secretary, Deputy National Legal Adviser, Deputy National Publicity Secretary. And the Southwest gets Deputy National Chairman (S), National Vice Chairman (SW), National Legal Adviser, National Financial Secretary, Deputy National Youth Leader,” the statement said.

    Sources within the party told The Nation that safe for a few instances where changes occurred, most of the zones have further agreed to retain the positions given them in the states where they were previously produced. “The understanding being showed by APC chieftains across the country over the positions to be contested for at the forthcoming convention is encouraging. This may have, to a very large extent, doused the worries about any form of crisis during or after the convention,’ a party leader from Lagos State said.

    Southwest

    In the southwest, reliable sources say there is the likelihood that most of the positions will be filled by unopposed candidates following an agreement reached among party leaders in the zone recently. Under the leadership of the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other leading chieftains, including state governors in the zone, stakeholders in the party are working out what may turn out to be a consensus arrangement on how the positions zoned to the region will be filled at the convention.

    For the post of Deputy National Chairman (South), barring a last minute change, former Governor of Ekiti State, Niyi Adebayo, may be looking good to clinch the position which is retained in his native Ekiti State. Party sources say all stakeholders appear unanimous in the choice of the former governor who, if elected at the convention, will be replacing another former Ekiti State governor, Segun Oni.

    Party sources however say following his loss of the APC governorship ticket in Ekiti State to Kayode Fayemi, Oni may have indicated his desire to return to the NWC. But if feelers within the ranks of party leaders are anything to go by, he may eventually be talked out of the ambition, to clear the way for the eventual emergence of his fellow Ekiti man, Adebayo.

    “Adebayo is for now the choice of most party leaders. And if it is true that Segun Oni is interested, it will be resolved the same way we have been handling the resolutions of issues that have to do with the forthcoming convention. I can beat my chest and tell you that the Southwest is going to the convention as a united house and we will be coming back even more united as a team,” a chieftain of the party from Ogun State said.

    Following the announcement that Muiz Banire, the current National Legal Adviser of the party will not be seeking re-election, Lagos State is poised, as agreed to by party leaders in the Southwest, to present another candidate to fill the position. Banire reportedly issued a statement to say he is no longer interested in being a national officer of the party. One name that is currently trending as Banire’s possible replacement is that of Hon. Babatunde Ogala.

    Ogala, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, according to party sources, is the nominee of a good number of stakeholders in Lagos State. No other chieftain of the APC, within or outside Lagos State, has shown interest in the position as at press time, fueling talks that the choice of Ogala may actually be a consensus among the chieftains of the party in the zone.

    Northcentral

    In the north central zone, it is obvious that there is no collective effort by chieftains in the zone to present a unified front at the convention. Rather, each state of the zone appears to be working on its own to fill the positions zoned to it as peacefully as possible. Consequently, there is an unwritten assumption that each state will retain the position it is currently occupying in the NWC, at the convention.

    *But the battle for the office of the National Publicity Secretary may turn out to be an exception in the zone as two aspirants have emerged from Kogi to challenge the current occupier, Bolaji Abdulai, from Kwara State. Also, Abdullai is being challenged by his kinsman, Lanre Issa Onilu. The two challengers from Kogi State are Duro Meseko, a former member of the House of Representatives and Abu Sidiqque, said to be the choice of some people in the presidency.

    But pundits say the contest for the position may have been influenced by the internal politics of the party. “The unending face-off between Senator Bukola Saraki and the presidency may be responsible for the inability of the zone to resolve who should go for the position amicably. Abdulai, from Kwara, is a Saraki loyalist to the core. And Kogi State is one place where President Buhari enjoys total loyalty.

    “Also, an initial assumption that Saraki’s loyalists will not seek positions at the convention owing to talks about defection plans, informed the aspiration of people from other states in the zone. It is most likely that it is these same assumptions that fueled the ambition of Onilu, a chieftain of the APC in Kwara, who is reportedly very close politically, to Gbemi Saraki, the senate president’s younger sister,” a source explained.

    Another source, a former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly and an aide to a serving Senator in the state, said Abdulai’s reported governorship ambition is the main reason why he is being challenged from Kwara State. The ex-lawmaker added that a faction of the party in the state opposed to Saraki’s handling of party affairs are also poised to see Abdulai replaced at the convention.

    “Not only will Onilu enjoy the support of anti-Saraki APC chieftains at the convention, he will also be embraced by many delegates from other states who see Abdulai as Saraki’s man. If they are daily threatening to leave the party, why are they still interested in party positions? And will it be safe to hand them a position as sensitive as that of a party spokesperson? I don’t think so,” he said.

    The situation in the zone is further complicated by alleged plots by some party leaders in Kogi State to swap the position of Vice Chairman Northcentral for another position in their determination to stop the re-election of Zakari Abdulahi Ede, from the state as a member of the NWC. “It is these people that are behind the ambition of some aspirants who are gunning for positions other than the zonal vice chairmanship,” a source claimed.

    Consequently, The Nation gathered that two aspirants, one from Kwara and another one from Niger State, are gearing up to contest the position against Ede at the convention, hoping to cash on the crisis within the Kogi State chapter of the party to clinch the position. But it was gathered that prominent party leaders in the state have summoned a meeting for early in the week to save the situation.

    South-south

    In the South-south, scheduled to produce the National Chairman, among others, there seems to be no serious disagreement though the topmost office may not be contested unopposed. Until this week, some observers had concluded that former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, may contest for the plum office unopposed. Oshiomhole has formally received support and endorsement from the high and powerful in the party, including the governors, a development that suggested that for him and the zone, the convention is as good as concluded.

    But a few days ago, another former Governor of Edo State, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, formally joined the race for the position of National Chairman of the party, when he strolled to the party secretariat, picked the form, sat down at the party office and filled it. He also submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms immediately.

    Formally, his emergence at the scene brings to three the number of persons likely to contest for Odigie-Oyegun’s seat this coming Saturday.

    Others, are Oshiomhole; a member of APC in the United Kingdom, Ibrahim Emokpaire, also from Edo State; and a former Governor of Cross River State, Clement Ebri.

    Our investigation shows that even with the emergence of other contenders for the office, there seems to be no visible friction in South-south zone of APC as they prepare to attend the convention as one united family.

    Northeast

    In the Northeast, the battle for who should produce the next National Secretary of APC, which started as a mere rumour, has become a major issue. Sources said during the week that rapid progress made last week in settling the issue of which state in the zone should produce the candidate and which candidate should be presented by the zone, may have slowed down.

    The Nation had earlier reported exclusively that governors of the party from the zone were resisting moves by some forces who allegedly urged a relatively new entrant, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, a former National Chairman of PDP, to produce the next National Secretary of the party. This, we learnt, has resulted in the emergence of many contenders backed by powerful stakeholders, including governors from the zone, a development that has resulted in desperate behind-the-scene negotiations.

    As at last weekend, The Nation confirmed that at least four contenders have emerged for the office of National Secretary of the party alone. They included the incumbent National Secretary, Mallam Mai Mala Buni from Yobe State; Kashim Imam  from Borno State; Waziri Bulama, a known Buhari loyalist; and Dr. Haruna Yerima.

    A source close to Governors’ Forum had confided that while Sheriff is backing Imam from Borno, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State was said to be lobbying his colleagues, especially Borno to allow Yobe retain the slot since Borno State has been given many important appointments.

    “So far, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, and I think leaders from Gombe and Taraba have agreed that Yobe should produce the party’s secretary. The governor of Bauchi State is being expected to tag along with his colleagues.”

    “Some strategists of the President, party leaders and Sheriff prefer either Kashim Imam or Waziri Bulama from Buhari Support Organisation.

    “Although the governors have been extremely loyal to the President, they might not guarantee him success at the poll in 2019 if the party’s secretariat is handed over to Sheriff.”

    When contacted, a member of the National Convention Committee said: “Some members of this committee have heard of plans to disrupt the convention but we cannot authoritatively confirm it.

    “All I can tell you is that the Convention Committee will work round the clock to make it a successful one,” the source said.

    Southeast

    In the Southeast zone, the face-off  between Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and some other powerful APC leaders has generated tension, leading to fears that the zone will likely go to the convention as a divided house.

    It would be recalled that the zone is expected to produce the National Auditor, the National Vice Chairman (SE), the National Organising Secretary, the Deputy National Financial Secretary and the Deputy National Women Leader.

    It would be recalled that Southeast zone is billed to produce the National Auditor, National Vice Chairman (SE), National Organising Secretary, Deputy National Financial Secretary, Deputy National Women Leader.

    But as soon as Southeast stakeholders of the party came up to endorse the retention of national executives representing the zone, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, openly rejected the decision, especially the retention of the party’s National Organising Secretary, Osita Izunaso.

    Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, had told journalists after the meeting of the APC Southeast stakeholders in Abuja that even though few people may be unsatisfied with the decision, 93 percent APC stakeholders from the zone agreed to it.

    He also assured that efforts would be made to reconcile aggrieved members before the convention date.

    “We had a very successful fruitful meeting and have decided to endorse by affirmation from all the states, the return, through democratic means of the three members of the national officers, they include: the National Organising Secretary, Sen. Osita Izunaso, the National Vice Chairman, Emma Enukwu and the National Auditor, Chief George Moghalu.”

    Few days to the convention, it is not clear if the planned reconciliation had been achieved in the zone as Okorocha’s camp under a body called Concerned Southeast APC stakeholders are yet to publicly renounce their rejection of Izunaso’s candidacy.

    The nPDP challenge

    Aside the intrigues in some zones, there is also  growing uncertainty over what role members of the nPDP will be playing at the convention on June 23. Amidst talks that they are plotting to dump the ruling party and return to the opposition PDP, members of the party are keeping sealed lips concerning their involvement in the national convention. While a few of their notable members are currently seeking NWC positions, the leadership of the group recently raised alarm over alleged removal of its members’ names from the convention sub- committees.

    The aggrieved group accused the Presidency of replacing about 50 names from the original list. Some of the names removed from the list were also said to be those of members of the aggrieved New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) which had earlier said it was sidelined from party activities. The nPDP claimed it is all part of a grand plot to further sideline its members in the affairs of the party.

    But the presidency denied tinkering with the list and assured all party members of a level playing ground at the convention. “Nothing in the allegation can be further from the truth in every material particular. For the umpteenth time, we wish to reiterate President Muhammadu Buhari’s position that he will not interfere in party affairs or matters before the law courts.

    “It ought to have been obvious by now to discerning Nigerians that it is not in the nature of this President to go against the provisions of the country’s Constitution, let alone his party’s constitutional provisions. It is, therefore, disingenuous to attribute every perceived infraction in activities of party or government appointees to the President’s desk,” Special Adviser to the President Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said.

    But there is another growing concern over the unusual silence of the members of the group over issues related to the national convention. Since the conclusion of the state congresses during which many nPDP members complained about being sidelined, not much have been heard from the likes of Senator Bukola Saraki, Hon Yakubu Dogara and Kawu Baraje, concerning the national convention.

    This, party sources say, is fueling fear about a plot that may see nPDP chieftains in the APC collectively moving to another party on June 23, just before or after the national convention. “Quote me, they have their plans. They have chosen that day to pay APC back for the alleged wrongs done to them. They feel it will be a way to weaken the party and discredit the process that will produce the next NWC of the party,” a source, who is a state executive member of the APC in Kwara State, claimed.

    But leaders of the group, when contacted by The Nation, refused to confirm if there is a plot to dump the party at the convention. A close associate of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he is unaware for a specific date for the defection but assures Nigerians that unless APC bend over backward to meet the demands of nPDP members, they will not remain in the party.

    “It is not about the date or whether we will leave APC or not. It is about whether APC will do the needful and when exactly they will do it. How can you leave serious crisis unresolved and you will be going to elect new leaders for the party, using the same delegates we are complaining about while you keep telling the complainants to be patients. We are all politicians and we will do what is good for us at the time it is good for us,” he said.

    When contacted by The Nation, Kawu Baraje, the chairman of the group would not say much. While not refuting nor confirming the said plot, the Kwara State-born politician, whose loyalty to Senate President Bukola Saraki, is well know, said reporters should only write that which they can prove. “Is there any official statement out there from us stating a date for us to defect from the APC? If there is none, just write that there is none. Thank you,” he said.

    With reports about planned unity list and the successes of the ongoing last-minutes reconciliation efforts, a top insider told The Nation yesterday that this coming Saturday’s “APC convention will be mere celebration of a party that has survived the initial challenges. For us, the worst days are over. What you are seeing today is a political party many opponents never gave any chance, which has however survived and has come of age as a united and strong national party, ready for the future.”

  • APC convention: Enugu endorses Enukwu, Izunaso, Moghalu for 2nd term

    Ahead of  the national convention of the  All Progressives Congress (APC), the Enugu State chapter of the party has endorsed the incumbent National Vice Chairman, South-East, Chief Emma Eneukwu, National Organizing Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso and National Auditor, George Moghalu for re-election

    The endorsement was announced in a communique issued at the end of its meeting held  at the party’s secretariat yesterday.

    The state chairman of the party, Dr Ben Nwoye, who read the communique issued at the end of the meeting, which was also attended by the State Working Committee members of the party, said all the existing zoning arrangements of the party remains.

    The development is not unconnected to a press statement issued by a group in the state, which is sympathetic to a former Secretary to Enugu State Government, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani and touting him as Eneukwu’s replacement.

    But the party said such group should be dis-countenanced as they were merely in a task to destabilise the APC in Enugu State and eventually deny President Muhammadu Buhari votes in 2019.

    The communique reads in part: “Chief Hon. Emma Eneukwu having performed excellently well and being an indigene of Udi Local Government Area has the support of the entire Enugu State delegates to the APC national convention.

    “That we condemn in totality any attempt by anybody no matter how highly placed to destabilise the agreed zoning arrangement in the state, previously established by leaders of the party in 2014, as it relates to party positions.

    “That we commend the national convention committee of the APC in all of its efforts in planning a hitch-free national convention.

    “Enugu State APC cannot be cowed by anybody, no matter any previous position you may have held, or the position the person may occupy. We must learn that new leaders must emerge.  We can’t continue to lead this country with our past glory.

    “Every day,  new leaders emerge, the world is calling for new leaders. Very recently, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Not Too Young to Run Bill into law, this shows progressive leadership.

    “Those who have been either past governor, past senator or past this or that must allow new leaders to emerge. They  must allow those who are leading well to lead. We cannot be cowed by those who joined us from the PDP.

    “If the PDP was a great party, where they had served as either senator or SSG, they should have remained in the PDP. We built the APC, we established the APC in Enugu State. So, we cannot be pushed around.

    “People believe that politics is about their village, that politics is about those who bear the same surname with them.

    “Today, Enugu State APC has taken a stand, we cannot have a state chairman from Nkanu West and Vice Chairman, from Nkanu West.  It can’t help us in election. People here are not in APC because Buhari won, they have been here even when APC was yet to be accepted, when people called us all sorts of names, including Boko Haram. Some of us were almost ostracized. We cannot, therefore, at this stage allow latter day converts push us aside.

    “For emphasis, Emma Enuekwu, George Moghalu, and  Osita Izunaso are our choice.  We are 100 percent behind our leaders,” it further stated.