Jubilation as Udoedehe returns to APC HQ, confirms Buni is still Chairman

Authors:

Ima Elijah

March 15, 2022 4:21 PM

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni remains the National Chairman.

Akpan Udoedehe Returns to APC HQ

The Secretary of the Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Senator John Akpan Udoedehe, on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, returned to the Wuse 2 headquarters of the APC amid tight security and jubilation among the party staff.

Recall, Udoedehe resigned on March 08, 2022, shortly after Niger State Governor, Sani Bello, assumed office as acting chairman of the party.

There were reports of moves by some governors including Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to remove Akpanudoedehe and the Chairman of the caretaker committee, Governor Mai mala Buni of Yobe State.

However, INEC had stated that it would only recognise correspondences from Buni and Udoedehe.

Upon his return, the secretary said it became necessary to clarify “the events of last week”, referring to the takeover of the chairmanship seat by Governor Bello.

Udoedehe insists the ruling party is crisis-free, strong and united in giving Nigeria the transformative leadership and good governance promised.

“The CECPC was appointed, and has always done her best, to steer the affairs of the APC in line with the mandate invested in her at inauguration by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress.

“On the 28th day of February, 2022 the CECPC Chairman (Buni) took a long-delayed trip abroad on health grounds, leaving behind written authorisation for other members of the CECPC to continue work in his absence, particularly the day to day management of the APC.

“In his absence, sundry activities earlier scheduled for action appeared to develop fresh urgency in order to satisfy the Timetable for the 2023 General Elections released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“All such actions were clearly identified at all times as happening in an acting or proxy capacity, and under the auspices of the substantive Chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni, contrary to widespread speculations that the Chairman, Secretary or some other officials of the CECPC have been removed or replaced.

“The CECPC is intact and functional as originally constituted. Delivering a seamlessly successful National Convention for the APC on March 26, 2022 is top on priority for the CECPC."

Also, at least 208 court cases have thwarted peace moves while APC's national convention has been postponed four times since December 2020.

The party is now expected to hold its national convention on March 26, 2022. However, the party has yet to begin the sale of forms or reach a consensus on who should emerge as its national chairman.