… Buhari says no going back on March 26
Professor Mamoud Yakubu, his Commission sent danger signals to APC.
As efforts are being stepped up to ensure that the APC’s plan to organize a national convention sails through, President Muhammadu Buhari has openly asked Progressive Governors to allow Mai Mala Buni to finish the job.
Buni had in what many now describe as a palace coup transmitted power to Bello, following fierce infighting within the party, which has pitched APC Governors against one another.
But as things are, Buni is proving too difficult to bite by several ‘snakes’ that are at the foot of the ladder that the APC needs to climb to the next level.
Apparently removed from the scene, the President who is having sober reflections while on his hospital bed, is warning there may be dire consequences if Buni is kicked out of office.
The president’s warning is coming against the backdrop of unfolding events within the party which may prove catastrophic.
Buhari, Bello, Buni..holding everyone by the balls
INEC’s independent posture, demonstrated by its rejection of APC’s change in leadership, has rattled the ruling party and set off alarm bells.
Insiders are suggesting that the President’s reaction is obviously premised on firm legal advice and signals that are emerging from the field.
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, dated March 16, 2022, the president reiterated that the party’s national convention must hold on March 26.
Buhari who seems to have reviewed options that are before him warned that removing Buni as the Chairman of CECC may lead possibly, to the invalidation of all APC activities by INEC.
President Muhammadu Buhari…warns of an implosion in APC.
The President also warned of unwanted litigations which are facing the party at this time due to the ‘hit-and-run-approach that APC leaders are adopting in many states.
“As you are, no doubt aware, the All Progressives Congress, APC, is currently facing a litany of controversies and some level of uncertainties that may ultimately question its status and affect the status and feasibility of its proposed National Convention”, the President wrote.
Many in the party are blaming the President for offering weak leadership and allowing the situation to degenerate.
President Muhammadu Buhari, his trusted Minister, Rotimi Amaechi and Governor Mai Mala Buni who is proving too hot to handle.
A prominent APC member who spoke in Port Harcourt under conditions of anonymity said, “President Buhari has not shown sufficient leadership. He is part of the problem that is bugging us down.
“He watched as the situation grew from bad to worse and did nothing. Now, he cannot even enjoy a decent bed rest. The ghost of the APC that he has neglected over these years is chasing him around.”
For so long, according to most observers, the president has allowed a free for all fight.
A litany of cases, not less than 207, are pending in several courts across the country.
“It has come to my attention”, President Buhari said in his letter, “that, because of recent events, the APC is faced with a multiplicity of court cases pending against it in various courts across the country.
“As a result of this, the party faces the possibility and prospect of the invalidation of all its activities and actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Furthermore, the party has demonstrated its inability to proceed with the issue of effecting change in the leadership of its Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECC), in a way that is inclusive, legal and respectful of the time limit set and required for giving the INEC sufficient notice of the time and venue for holding its convention.
“No doubt, these controversies and uncertainties, as enumerated above, pose a real threat to the party; and may lead to a possible non-recognition of its activities, elections and the probable invalidation of all its other actions by INEC.”
There are possible fears that the APC may be blown away by the internal contradictions that are facing it at the moment.
Recognising this fear, the President noted in his letter to the APC, “This may ultimately even lead to its implosion and non-existence.
“There is, therefore, an urgent need for the party to as much as possible, avoid all controversies, litigations and all other necessary distractions and quickly get its acts together.”
Accordingly, Buhari has issued three directives which he hopes will provide the stability that the party needs to adhere to in order to conduct a National Convention that will not be encumbered.
“First, the issue of the leadership of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECC), should immediately return to status quo ante”, the leader of the APC directed.
“Second, all members of the Governors’ Forum and their followers should desist from any behaviour or utterance that will likely lead to disunity in the ranks of the party, and ultimately jeopardise the transition to the convention;
“Third, the Mai Mala Buni-led CECC should, accordingly, be allowed to proceed with all necessary preparations to hold the convention as planned – unfailingly, on 26th March 2022”, the President added.
The NGR President was reportedly part of the move to hand over party management to Governor Sani Bello of Niger State