Fredrick Nwabufo

All the privileges and accoutrements of power could not save the PDP. At the party’s national convention in November 2013 in Abuja, five governors — Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano; Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto; Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara; Murtala Nyako of Adamawa, and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers — staged a walk-out and formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). Two other governors joined the procession to inter the PDP.

‘’The centre could no longer hold, and things fell apart’’. The precipitates for the collision began under Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, but it was Adamu Mu’azu, as national chairman, who presided over the eventual inhumation of the PDP.

He could not keep the party together, or rather, he did not work to keep the party together. It was noised that Mu’azu betrayed former President Goodluck Jonathan – Jonathan himself alleged this. But the former PDP national chairman denied the allegation.

Managing a political party is an onerous task. It takes extreme levels of tact, temperance, fortitude, and smarts. There are often conflicting interests within a party, and it takes a surfeit of percipience to manage them.

The APC has had its fair share of domestic crisis. The past national chairmen of the party left in a rather unceremonious note. In June 2020, the party dissolved the Adams Oshiomhole-led national working committee (NWC) and appointed Mai Mala Buni, governor of Yobe state, as the chairman of the national caretaker committee.

The chief responsibility of the committee was to hold an elective convention where substantive members of the NWC would be elected.

However, it became knotty for this to happen as high-level political manoeuvrings arrested the plan. In March 2022, about two years after the Buni caretaker committee was inaugurated, an elective national convention was eventually held.

Before the convention, Buni was accused of seeking to succeed himself and of throwing a spanner in the works by allegedly initiating a lawsuit against the convention. The APC was witnessing a Dunkirk, but the intervention of some governors and the president forestalled an immanent seizure.

However, it seems the party has found a lodestar in Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, former governor of Nasarawa state. Alhaji Adamu became the national chairman of the APC at the party’s elective national convention in March 2022.

He was the governor of Nasarawa from 1999 to 2007. And he was a senator representing Nasarawa west before his election as APC chairman.

Alhaji Adamu is a lawyer, and he chalked up functional experience in the private sector before his political expedition. In 1967, he joined the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria, but later moved to the Northern Nigeria Development Corporation (NNDC), Kaduna, in 1971.

He was the project manager for the construction of the Durbar Hotel and Murtala Mohammed Square in Kaduna while he was with AEK Consultancy in 1973.

He became the executive secretary of the Benue/Plateau Construction Company by the Benue/Plateau State government in 1975, and he was the chairman of Benue Cement Company, Gboko, from February 1980 to September 1983.

Alhaji Adamu is also a thoroughbred politician. He has walked the treadmill of statecraft. He has been there, done that. He began his progression in politics in 1977 after he was elected as a member of the Constituent Assembly which drafted the constitution of the Second Republic.

He held party positions as Plateau state secretary-general of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1978; state chairman of the NPN in 1982 and was Nigeria’s minister of works and housing between 1995 and 1997.

This explains the maturity and the poise with which he manages the APC. Alhaji Adamu is respected within the party for his integrity. He cannot be accused of compromise or of engaging in anything unkosher. And there is no confusion about where he stands on issues – on the side of the party.

Perhaps his training as a lawyer gives him the rare aptitude to prioritise critical matters and address them headlong — applying the blue-pencil doctrine and prioritising what counts whilst keeping the unnecessary at bay.

His efforts to unite the party (which he succeeded at) immediately after the keenly contested primaries accent this out-of-the-ordinary leadership facility.

A few months ago, the APC was hit by a maelstrom of controversy over its presidential primary election. The primary election was predicted by some pundits to be a make-or-mar actuality for the party.

Really, it was a tempestuous time for the party. The presidential primary election was postponed twice amid intense political sword-crossing.

Alhaji Adamu was accused of trying to foist Senate President Ahmad Lawan on the party as standard bearer – when, in reality, he was only being a loyal party man and dutiful wingman to the president.

The APC national chairman took the mudsling and vicious campaign gentlemanly, but in the end a free, fair and peaceful presidential primary election was conducted — under his stewardship. The will of the party prevailed, and Alhaji Adamu made sure of it.

In his speech at the APC presidential convention in June, Alhaji Adamu said truth is the first victim in a political contest. And truly, he was that truth which became the victim of sparring interests in the party.

He said: “It is said that in all serious socio-political contests, truth is the first casualty. It is so in this contest. It doesn’t take rocket science to unite a party. It takes sincerity of purpose, commitment and determination to sacrifice our individual interest and ambitions for the larger interest of the party.

Efforts are required to work, perfecting electoral processes in our country, this feat would not have been attained without the cooperation of everyone concerned. It is a clear indication that our party has emerged stronger from the grievances, we are united, and we are speaking with one voice once more.”

Alhaji Adamu has been able to walk the tightrope of maintaining loyalty for President Muhammadu Buhari and the party. Sometimes, he has had to outdo himself to keep the balance, but he puts the interest and unity of the party above himself.

Alhaji Adamu is unflinching in his commitment to the party and the Tinubu/Shettima candidature. At a news conference earlier in the month, he reiterated his support for the ticket, declaring that the APC was working to secure over 25 percent votes in areas that are not its stronghold.

He asked all members of the party to close ranks and work for the victory of the party in the 2023 elections.

Months after the presidential primary election that was suggested would lead to the declension of the APC, the party appears stronger, more united and even more resolved to win the 2023 elections.

The party sailed through the storm by Alhaji Adamu’s leadership. Also, the Muslim-Muslim ticket, which was well-noised to be the party’s kryptonite, has not upended the party as widely speculated.

Well, it seems to be plain sailing for the APC with its lodestar behind the wheel.

Disclaimer: This article is the opinion of a Pulse Contributor, it doesn't reflect the opinions of the company.

Party leadership: A curious look at the hand behind APC’s wheel

The implosion. The biggest political upset of the decade is, perhaps, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) self-deracination. Proverbially, the party fetched the coal for its own conflagration. By 2013 – ahead of the 2015 elections – the PDP had become flatulent from morbid indulgences, fractious and in disarray.

<h1>It is exorable because it is conquerable. This explains why world leaders are taking the charge to combat this ominous apocalypse.</h1>

It is a time for leadership from the fore-end; a time when citizens must hear their leaders speak to them; see them take action, making assurances and fulfilling those promises. The counsel, consolation and firm statement of a leader is imperative at this moment.&nbsp;

In Canada, Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister, despite being in self-isolation and his wife battling the virus after contracting it at a conference in the UK, is leading the fight against this dreaded disease from the fore. He is providing regular updates of the efforts of his government to roll back this scourge, listening and speaking to citizens.&nbsp;

In a popular broadcast on March 13, Justin spoke to citizens of Canada announcing measures to relieve the financial stress brought on by the pandemic on Canadians.&nbsp;

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/coronavirus-5-myths-held-by-nigerians/x0v4h84">'I am a child of God,' and other reasons some Nigerians are not taking coronavirus seriously</a>

“We do not want any Canadian to have to worry about whether or not they’re going to be able to pay their rent, whether or not they’re going to be able to buy groceries, or care for their kids or elderly family members. We need to make sure that Canadians have the options and the ability to follow the best public health advice and keep themselves safe,” he said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie, along with their three children, were quarantined after she tested positive for Coronavirus. [Sapo]

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie, seen here in September 2019, along with their three children, are under quarantine after she tested positive for the new coronavirus.

In the UK, Boris Johnson, prime minister, leads the struggle against coronavirus. He provides updates, alongside health experts, on the measures his government is taking to tackle the spread of the disease. And in the US, Donald Trump is not shying away from speaking to Americans on the virus.&nbsp;

As a matter of fact, President Muhammadu Buhari’s lapses are often easily dismissed by his supporters or by Nigerians who do not know better. Some of them say, ‘’ Why must the president speak when the minister of health and the NCDC DG are already doing that?” This is a contemptible rationalisation of incompetence. Are they suggesting the president lacks the capacitance to understand the issues?’’&nbsp;

Really, I surmise the president has been walled off the ‘’candid cameras’’ over the years by his handlers – not just now – because he lacks the intellectual propensity to understand and discuss incisive issues. The last presidential media chat he held was in 2015 and it was a woeful outing. Also, his non-choreographed media interviews have been abysmal to say the least.&nbsp;

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/coronavirus-pulse-spoke-to-dubai-govt-official-on-containing-pandemic-and-heres-what/5hgnm22">Pulse spoke to Dubai govt official on containing coronavirus and here's what we learnt</a>

The truth is the unfiltered Buhari is a vacuously gaffing one. On October 14, 2016, standing beside Angela Merkel, German chancellor, Buhari said his wife, Aisha, ‘’belonged in the kitchen and the other room’’, when he was asked to comment on the first lady’s criticism of his government.

President Muhammadu Buhari meets with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel on October 14, 2016.

On April 18, 2018, at the Commonwealth Business Forum in London, the president said the young citizens of the country he leads are lazy.&nbsp;

“More than 60 per cent of the population is below 30, a lot of them haven’t been to school and they are claiming that Nigeria is an oil producing country, therefore, they should sit and do nothing, and get housing, healthcare, education free,” he said during a panel appearance with world leaders at the forum.&nbsp;

In a February 2016 interview with UK Telegraph, Buhari dropped another clanger. He said the young citizens of his country have a knack for criminality and should not be granted asylum in the UK.&nbsp;

With the Buhari experience, it is indubitable that Nigerians must place a high premium on education -- not just certificate – in choosing their leaders. The cost of electing leaders who do not have the intellectual grit to understand and handle matters is far too high.&nbsp;

The senate has asked the president to speak to citizens on this threat, and Nigerians are also asking the president to speak to them. This is an abnormality. Citizens must not beg to hear from their president. But because it is Buhari involved here, we have to beg and even excuse the crass inefficiency and vacuity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Perhaps, the president is still trying to get a hang of it. I think he has ‘’capable handlers’’ who can break it down to him in ABC.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/coronavirus-lagos-shuts-down-schools/wb69tdz"> Lagos shuts down schools due to coronavirus</a>

NCDC calls for collective action to contain spread of Coronavirus. [Twitter/ChiefOjukwu]

Mr President, speak to your citizens. The words of a leader are more resounding and assuring than the blandishment of proxies.&nbsp;

PS: Let’s follow all health protocol has advised by the NCDC.&nbsp;

• Wash your hands regularly with soap under running water.&nbsp;

• Cover your mouth and nose properly with handkerchief or tissue paper when sneezing and/or coughing. You may also cough into your elbow if a handkerchief is not available.&nbsp;

• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.&nbsp;

• Avoid self-medication, report to the nearest health facility when you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms.&nbsp;

Fredrick Nwabufo is a writer and journalist.

Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/FredrickNwabufo">@FredrickNwabufo</a>

President Muhammadu Buhari presides over the FEC meeting. [Twitter/@BashirAhmaad]

Coronavirus (COVID-19), an exorable doom, threatens life on the planet.

Who will explain Coronavirus to Buhari?

Politics

Local

Metro

World

News 

Celebrities

Music

Movies

Entertainment

Fashion

Beauty & Health

Relationships & Weddings

Food & Travel

Lifestyle

Domestic

International 

Business

Sports 

Celebrity Picks

Pulse Picks

Pulse Marketing

Explore categories

Checkout our authors for the latest content across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulse Nigeria 

Authors | Pulse Nigeria

| Pulse Nigeria

Read the latest news across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulse Nigeria

Breaking News & Top Stories | Pulse Nigeria

Pulse Nigeria is the most followed news and entertainment platform, informing and engaging young Nigerians round the clock, providing updates by the hour.

Pulse Nigeria

Search for the latest content across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulse Nigeria

Search Results | Pulse Nigeria

Watch the latest videos across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulse Nigeria

Fredrick Nwabufo

Articles written by the author

Party leadership: A curious look at the hand behind APC’s wheel

Who will explain Coronavirus to Buhari?