By Joshua Omoloye
Against all expectations, a new leadership of the ruling All P r o g r e s s i v e s Congress (APC) emerged early Sunday morning after many of the aspirants bowed to President Muhammadu Buhari’s wish for consensus candidates as they chickened out of the race.
The national convention of the party pulled through successfully at the Eagles Square, Abuja putting to rest pessimism that the convention will be piqued by crisis. Planners of the convention proved bookakers wrong as almost all candidates for the 68 National Working Committee (NWC) and zonal positions emerged through consensus arrangement. Former governor of Nasarawa State and Senator representing Nasarawa West senatorial district, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu became National Chairman after the six other aspirants in the race beat a retreat and stepped down for him.
Ahead of commencement of the convention, the six other contenders for the position withdrew from the race. The erstwhile aspirants succumbed to party pressure to allow Senator Abdullahi Adamu emerge as consensus candidate. One of them, Senator George Akume had to write a letter he personally signed on behalf of the five others. The Minister of Special Duties, in a letter addressed to the APC Election SubCommittee dated 25th March, 2022, said the aspirants backed down from the race to honour President Muhammadu Buhari’s plea.
“May I kindly refer to the appeal by Mr. President for the Chairmanship aspirants of our great party to agree to a consensus arrangement wherein our colleague H.E. Sen. Abdullahi Adamu is made our consensus candidate for the chairmanship position and forward letters of withdrawal from the under listed aspirants to wit: H.E. Sen. Tanko AlMakura, H.E. Sen. George Akume. H.E. Abdulaziz Yari, Sen. Sani Musa Muhammed, Comm. Etsu Muhammed and Turaki Salifu Mustapha, the letter read The Voting Process Chairman, Election subcommittee and governor of Jigawa State, Abubakar Badaru took the podium to commence the voting process at about 11.00pm, The Trumpet gathered.
Read Also: Nigeria vs Ghana: Black Stars arrive Abuja today
Through a resounding voice affirmation voting of ‘yes’ after each of the names on the consensus list, Badaru declared majority of the 68 preferred National Working Committee (NWC) and zonal candidates returned elected. A big loser Ken Nnamani, a former Senate President and chieftain of the APC lost out as APC released the Unity list ahead of voting Nnamani lost out in the power play in the party as his name was conspicuously missing on the unity list which was seen by our correspondent before the commencement of voting at the convention.
By midday, it was believed that Sen Nnamani will be the consensus Deputy National Chairman (South).
But against all expectations, the name of Sen. Emma Eneukwu from Enugu State prominently featured on the list. Others who made the consensus list were; Senator Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa) National Chairman, Sen. Abubakar Kyari (Borno) Deputy National Chairman (North), Otunba Iyiola Omisore (Osun), National Secretary and Barr. Festus Fuanter (Plateau) who clinched the Deputy National Secretary. Others are; Muhazu Bawa Rijau (Niger) National Vice Chairman North Central, Mustapha Salihu (Adamawa), National Vice Chairman North East, Salihu Lukman (Kaduna), National Vice Chairman North West, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu (Imo), National Vice Chairman South East, Chief Victor Giadom (Rivers), National Vice Chairman South South, Chief Isaac Kekemeke (Ondo), National Vice Chairman South West.
For the position of National Legal Adviser, Barr.Ahmed ElMarzuk from Katsina secured the slot as Uguru Mathew Ofoke from Ebonyi emerged as National Treasurer, Bashir Usman Gumel from Jigawa, National Financial Secretary, Suleiman Argungu from Kebbi, National Organising Secretary, Barr. F. N. Nwosu from Abia, National Welfare Secretary and Barr. Felix Morka from Delta state emerged as National Publicity Secretary.
Also on the unity list were; Sen Abubakar Maikafi from Bauchi as National Auditor, Dr. Betta Edu from Edo as National Women Leader, Abdullahi Dayo Israel from Lagos as National Youth Leader and Tolu Bankole from Ogun as Special (Persons With Disabilities) Leader.
Few contending positions were resolved on the convention ground. These include Deputy National Chairman (North), National Vice Chairman, National Youth Leader , National Secretary.and some zonal positions. It took time for the position of National Secretary to be resolved as were some zonal positions.
Those who queued behind the President’s option of consensus carried the day as aspirants aggrieved by the consensus arrangement failed to step down but were roundly defeated at the elections that followed.
The positions of National Secretary and National Youth Leader were resolved in favour of preferred candidates. How Osoba prevailed on Shittu, Olaitan to withdraw The toughest was that of the National Secretary involving former deputy governor of Osun State, Otunba Iyiola Omisore and former Communications minister, Barr. Adebayo Shittu and Prof. Abedeen Olaitan both from Oyo State who stood their grounds to go into voting against Omisore, the preferred candidate. Shittu told the leaders that Oyo State has been neglected in sharing of party offices and that the consensus arrangement is against fundamental human rights of aspirants.
The former minister was bitter that the national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu foisted Omisore on the zone and he will resist what he termed injustice. Also Prof Olaitan said no one consulted him as an aspirant for the position and he came to the convention fully prepared for election.
He maintained that it was morally and constitutionally wrong to ambush him on the convention ground and ask him to step down. Prof Olaitan said he was not afraid of contest as he had contested and lost 10 elections in the past.
He therefore said he did not step down for Omisore. He however said with his respect for President Buhari and great persuasive efforts of Chief Osoba that he withdrew from the race. Shittu also eventually succumbed to the persuasion by the former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba.
He later approached the podium to announce his withdrawal from the race, thereby paving the way for Omisore to emerge National Secretary.
After all contentious positions were amicably resolved, the Election Committee Chairman, Gov. Badaru mounted the podium to again announce positions that were resolved.
Adamu’s Acceptance Speech In his acceptance speech at 12.30pm Adamu urged APC members to renew their faith in the party and its leadership at all levels in order to herald a new dawn. He said “we need to commit to the resolution of our crisis within the confines of our party constitution. We must resist the temptation to blow every minor personal disagreement into a major party crisis.
It is time for us to do things differently. When we quarrel, we open our flanks to rival political parties that are only too eager to exploit them for their own benefit.
“I promise you here and now that we shall heal any wounds in our party; we shall effect lasting reconciliation among our members, and we shall go into the next general elections as a strong and united party. I offer my hands of friendship to all our members.
I want to assure you that my colleagues and myself will run an open door policy to all members of the party” The new chairman also appealed to Journalists to be constructive in their reportage about the nation and party.Adamu said activities of the APC administration under Buhari has been under reported.
He charged the Nigerian media to follow in the steps of the founding fathers of Nigerian journalism Buni’s parting short Chairman, Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Mai Mala Buni said the Committee did it’s best to fulfil the mandate of reconstructing and repositioning the party.
He however noted that anxiety over the conduct of the national convention translated into some internal wrangling and squabbles that were recorded in the party.
According to him, “Such internal disputes are both normal and common, especially in a growing democracy like ours. The beauty of such disagreements is the ability and resilience to resolve them and emerge out of them stronger”.
He commended President Buhari for the excellent leadership exhibited in resolving the seeming contention with ease, and without adverse effects on the party and the convention.
The Yobe State governor charged members to bury their differences and collectively work for the interest and success of the party, saying, “this is very necessary for us to approach the 2023 General election with a united front. We can only achieve much in unity, just like the broom which is our party symbol.
“Our support to the new leadership would no doubt promote internal democracy and the emergence of popular, credible, and generally acceptable candidates to fly the party’s flag in the 2023 election for the party to succeed.
He said the teamwork, cooperation, and unity exhibited by his colleagues, members of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee in the course of the assignment, was exceptional.
Buni expressed appreciation to other stakeholders, staff of the National Secretariat, the Youth, Women groups, and APC supporters nationwide for the support given to the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee. He added “I am now more confident than ever, that with a population of over 41 million registered members and still counting, APC has the potential and capacity to remain Nigeria’s ruling party and indeed, Africa’s largest political party”.
Buhari’s charge to the APC President Muhammadu Buhari called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain united and strong and also support the incoming leadership of the party.
Speaking at the venue, Buhai said: “This Convention is coming at a crucial time when we prepare for another round of general election. Therefore, the need to remain strong and united for the Party to exploit the rich and abundant potentials at its disposal cannot be overemphasized.
We appreciate the right to hold different opinions and aspirations, however, such differences must not be to the detriment of the Party. “l passionately appeal to you all to support the incoming National Working Committee (NWC) to promote unity and avoid sentiments that are capable of causing disaffection and disunity.
For those aspiring for party and public offices, your failure to realize such aspirations for Party offices or to fly the Party’s flag, should not be a basis for a campaign of calumny against the party.
We should have the spirit of sportsmanship and always support the party to succeed.” The President enjoined the new NWC members to promote internal democracy and equal opportunities and ensure that party primaries are not influenced by “highest bidders” going into the 2023 elections.
He commended the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee for steering the ship of the party this far including; reconciling aggrieved party members, purchasing a new party secretariat and launching an aggressive membership drive that saw three governors defecting into the APC, among others.
“I want to congratulate us all for being part of this historymaking event and to specially appreciate the Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) which has been on a rescue mission under the leadership of His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni, the Yobe State Governor, for successfully piloting the affairs of the Party in the last 18 months and organizing this Convention to elect a new National Working Committee that will take over from the Caretaker Committee.
“I am glad the Party under the Caretaker Committee has bounced back to life with the reconciliation of several key and critical stakeholders and groups who had hitherto left the party or were on the verge of leaving the Party. The reconciliation process gave the aggrieved stakeholders a true sense of belonging and assurance.
“It is gratifying that the Party recorded massive and unprecedented defections under the Caretaker Committee administration. APC received three sitting Governors, a Deputy Governor, Senators, Members of the House of Representatives and State Assemblies, and other key officials from opposition parties who defected along with millions of their supporters.
“I am impressed to learn that the membership registration and revalidation exercise undertaken by the Caretaker Committee, has recorded over 41 million members. This has proved that we are indeed Nigeria’s leading and largest political party.
It also exhibits our numerical strength and the potential to win elections at all given times fairly and squarely.” The President who adduced reasons for his recent intervention in the affairs of the party, assured that it was not intended to muzzle dissenting voices.
“Recently, l had cause to intervene in the leadership crisis which was about to cause confusion in the Party. Such internal disputes are common in young democracies such as ours, but we must avoid overheating the polity and not allow our differences to tear and frustrate the Party.
“Like I said earlier, it does not do anybody or the Party any good, when we, as leaders, go down so low and resort to backstabbing and name-calling in the media.
“We should learn how to resolve our differences without jeopardizing our personal relationships and the fate of the Party. I want to thank the Progressives Governors’ Forum for heeding to my advice and suggestions in settling the leadership dispute,” the President said.
President Buhari called on all politicians and the electorate to abide by the new Electoral Act “ to promote the process of election, enhance transparency, fill in existing gaps and add value to Nigeria’s democracy for our democracy to thrive.” President Buhari arrived the convention at 8.23 pm and departed at 11.45 pm .
Lawan, Gbajabiamila advise party members Lawan: Buhari ‘ll remain the compass of APC beyond 2023 President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari will continue to provide leadership to the All Progressives Congress (APC) beyond 2023 after his exit from office.
According to him, President Buhari’s ability to sustain unity within the party against all odds, positions him favorably as the “compass” needed to give direction to the party at all times. Lawan: “Your Excellency, Mr. President, we can compare favorably well with any other party across the world.
This is because you have provided the leadership that we need. “Let me be explicit, you will not be on the ballot in 2023, but you will remain the leading light and moral compass of APC even after your tenure finishes. “And, therefore, Mr. President, I’m sorry, you will have little rest, because we will never allow you to go away.”
He commended the Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee for stabilising the All Progressives Congress in the last eighteen months of holding sway. Lawan described the National Convention as a strong statement by the party attesting to its ability to provide leadership for the country and strengthen unity amongst members within its fold.
In his address, Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila urged members to set aside personal interests and ambitions to work together to deliver a successful convention that we can all be proud of.
He said “through multiple electoral contests, many battles won and lost; through growth and expansion, it sometimes feels like the bonds of our brotherhood have frayed, and we have moved farther apart from each other. I urge this convention to remember the ideals and principles of our founding and let us, in that remembrance, rediscover the promise of our union.
He reminded the party that the days are still ahead for the party even though APC, like the country, is going through a process of rebirth. “We have the power and opportunity to build a political party that can stand the test of time and lead our country to a future of abiding peace and universal prosperity.
“We have answered that call and must now work together to make ourselves worthy, and by so doing, write our names, each and together, in the good book of history for all generations to come,” said the Speaker.
Emefiele’s supporters storm convention ground In a carnival-like manner, a group rooting for the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Godwin Emefiele to contest the 2023 presidency stormed the convention ground with placards and banners with inscriptions urging the banker to throw his hat into the political ring.
Coordinator of the group, Pariot Daniel Enyi said the Emefiele Solidarity Vanguard came to demonstrate their support for the call on Emefiele. He said the group is delighted that APC. has maintained the economy of Nigeria as the best and strongest economy in Africa.
“We are celebrating the anchor borrower’s scheme of the federal government which has led to the agricultural revolution, the monetary policy that has stablise the economy, the Forex Policy, the transformation of the automobile industry, the ease of doing business, social investment program and many more.
The federal government is lifting Nigeria out of poverty. “We believe that President Muhammadu Buhari is able to achieve this much because of the physical policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria and its implementation.
“Today, we say thank you to the Governor of the Central Bank Nigeria, Dr. Godwin Emefiele for his steadfastness and patriotism in discharging his duty as the head of our apex Bank.
“As the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari is coming to an end, the Nation needs a very strong will, and ideologically transformed personality with justifiable evidence of patriotic services like Dr. Godwin Emefiele as the next President of Nigeria. “We have identified Dr. Godwin Emefiele based on his sense of patriotism and commitment to duty, his genuineness in rendering service to the Nation as President Buhari’s possible successor.
This is a project that all well meaning Nigerians should be involved. We should look for our best brains and encourage them to take position of higher responsibilities, Emefiele is being offered such by Nigerians”, the statement read.
The group called on the political class, the business class and the academics to prevail on Dr. Godwin Emefiele to take the mantle of leadership from President Muhammadu Buhari as he hands over power in 2023. Also visible were groups of supporters of other presidential aspirants donning branded shirts and fez caps of their mentors carrying banners, posters and other souvenirs. Most of the supporters who gained entrance very early in the day kept the arena alive with songs , shouting and cheering of aspirants to the thrilling of seated dignitaries.
Thieves rob delegates, journalists of phones as police fire tear gas, chase hoodlums with dogs More than 20 persons including delegates, journalists and others providing ancillary services lost their phone, wallets and other valuables to thieves at the entrance to the Eagle Square venue of the convention.
Some people had their shoes and clothes torn as a result of stampede Security operatives had a swell task driving the intruders away from the main entrance to the venue. It got to a point when police dog handlers had to deploy security dogs. Over 40 of the hoodlums were eventually arrested and taken to the Central Police Station at Phase 1 of the Federal Secretariat, a stone throw from the Eagles Square. It was a charged atmosphere as security personnel had trouble controlling the crowd that thronged the perimeter areas of the entrance into the Eagle Square.
There was massive crowd of rented supporters displaying banners, placards of presumed presidential aspirants, state governorship aspirants and national and state assemblies aspirants.
The crowd intermittently surged forward whenever the gate was thrown open to dignitaries, some of them pushed back security men to gain entrance. There was stampede as police released tear gas cannisters to dispersed thevcrowd from the entrance. Some people were choked by smoke from tear gas, gasping for breath while medial personnel had field day in attending to persons that suffered minor degree of injuries from stampede.
The Medical Committee also had a busy day as they attend to emergency cases with difficulty as most passages withing the arena were occupied by nondelegate crowd.
An ambulance of the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja ferrying a person that slumped to a nearby clinic spent about 20 minutes before moving out of the premises. Food, drink vendors, other traders smile to the banks It was business boom for food, drinks and snacks vendors who were stationed on streets leading to the venue.
They occupied open space on the streets between the Eagles Square and Phase 1 and Office of the Head of Service at the Federal Secretariat, and the adjacent road leading to the Ministry of Finance.
While some of the vendors came with readily prepared food items others found space to prepare and restock their foods to attend to thousands of people that patronised them. Other items openly displayed for interested buyers include clothing materials, shoes, sandals, belts, beauty accessories for women, fruits, electrical and phones accessories.
