Politics
APC Set To Replace National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu With A Christian Over Muslim-Muslim Ticket
APC Set To Replace National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu With A Christian Over Muslim-Muslim Ticket
By Olorunfemi Adejuyigbe
Indications have emerged to the effect that the All Progressives Congress (APC), may soon replace Abdullahi Adamu, its national chairman with a Christian with a view to placate Christians who are upset with its Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
Adamu, a former governor of Nasarawa State and Senator, was elected in March, despite a strong opposition mounted by APC governors.
The governors, alongside other regional leaders, had settled for Tanko Al-Makura, also a former governor of Nasarawa State and a serving senator.
The closest rival then to Al-Makura, was George Akume, a serving Minister and also a former governor of Benue State.
In the light of the opposition that has greeted the joint ticket of Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, it is understood that the governors have initiated fresh moves to ease out the national chairman and see to the emergence of a Christian in his place.
About three weeks after Adamu’s emergence, specifically on the April 20, 2022, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party transferred absolute powers to the Adamu-led National Working Committee (NWC).
The 90 days of power transfer expired on July 22, 2022, hence the need to hold an emergency NEC meeting in September.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) is the highest decision-making organ of the party, usually presided over by the President.
Though some of the issues on the agenda of the NEC meeting are still shrouded in secrecy, a member of the NWC told Daily Sun that talks about a possible leadership change in the APC were already in top gear.
He informed that last although Tuesday’s NWC meeting didn’t entertain the rumoured change, some party leaders sought some clarifications on recent developments in the party.
The reliable source, who pleaded anonymity, said the ongoing financial audit, non-payment of staff salaries and inability of the party to meet other financial obligations, were already generating concerns.
He said APC governors who are worried about the fallout of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, have resolved to placate Christians by tinkling with the nomenclature of the party hierarchy.
The NWC member said the plan is to replace Adamu with a Christian from any of the six North Central States. He declined any further information on when the changes might be executed.
He, however, added that, President Muhammadu Buhari had not been briefed of the plans, over fears that he might not support the move.
The source said some perceived ‘sins’ allegedly committed by Adamu were being compiled by the governors and other leaders, which they intend to rely on in pushing for his ouster. He listed some names being bandied as possible replacements. He said a current Minister in Buhari’s administration, is top on the list.
“Akume is Tinubu’s man,” he revealed, adding that “other acceptable names are being searched for to be submitted to President Buhari for consideration. Whether or not Buhari will accept the move, I don’t know.
“Buhari, if you remember, personally insisted on the choice of Adamu. The President also knows that Christian leaders in APC are unhappy. In the interest of reconciliation and inclusiveness, the President may just approve it.
“These issues will gain momentum as soon as NWC announces a date for the NEC meeting. The presidential candidate of the party, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is also in support of any move that will placate Christians.
“If Tinubu decides to personally table it before President Buhari, it may work. If you recall, Adamu didn’t support Tinubu’s candidacy. He was the one who, without the endorsement of NWC, announced Ahmad Lawan as the consensus presidential candidate of the APC.
“Tinubu didn’t like that and he has expressed his displeasure many times with governors and other party leaders. Although he has not asked for Adamu’s replacement, he won’t oppose it if the move is made.
“But Tinubu has no hand in pushing for this. However, he won’t resist anything that will raise his chances of winning next year’s presidential election,” he said.
The APC NWC member noted that there were also allegations that Adamu-led NWC did not reach out immediately to aggrieved leaders of the party after the primaries.
“APC is getting very bad press. On social media and even in the traditional media, has not been getting good report.
“Whenever our members try to defend the party or the presidential candidate, the result in the media is always negative. Anything that will change the narrative will be welcome.
“These governors know that the signing into law of the Electoral Act is a game changer. We saw what happened in Osun. An incumbent governor lost. Even with Tinubu’s influence there, PDP won.
“The era of rigging is over with the new Electoral Law. Vote-buying is not a guarantee that the people will vote for you. We saw that in Osun.
“Unfortunately, the leadership of APC is too relaxed.”
“APC governors who are worried about the fallout of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, have resolved to placate Christians by tinkling with the nomenclature of the party hierarchy.
“Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is also in support of any move that will placate Christians…..He won’t resist anything that will raise his chances of winning next year’s presidential election.
“The President also knows that Christian leaders in APC are unhappy. In the interest of reconciliation and inclusiveness, the President may just approve it.”
Rivers Crisis: PDP Governors Challenge Emergency Rule at Supreme Court
By George O. Sylvester
The political climate in Nigeria has taken a dramatic turn as governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court, challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The emergency proclamation, made on March 18, saw Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly suspended for six months. In their place, the president appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.
This move has sparked nationwide debate, with the PDP governors contending that it constitutes a flagrant violation of constitutional provisions. The plaintiffs—governors of Bauchi, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Plateau, and Zamfara states—assert that the president lacks the authority to unilaterally suspend a democratically elected governor and deputy governor. In their submission, they argue that the appointment of a sole administrator is not only unconstitutional but also sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
A Legal and Constitutional Showdown
According to court documents filed by the PDP governors, the emergency proclamation contravenes several sections of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly Sections 1(2), 5(2), and 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Section 1(2) of the Constitution explicitly states that “the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.” The plaintiffs argue that by suspending the duly elected governor and deputy governor, the president has usurped powers that the Constitution does not grant him.
Furthermore, the governors maintain that Section 305, which outlines the conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared, does not empower the president to suspend elected officials. The section provides that a state of emergency may be declared in the case of war, natural disasters, public disorder, or breakdown of law and order. However, the plaintiffs argue that the situation in Rivers State did not meet these stringent conditions.
The Eleven Flaws of President Tinubu: A Critical Analysis
By George O Sylvester
President Tinubu’s administration has been marred by several controversies and criticisms since its inception. This article provides an in-depth examination of eleven flaws that have been identified in his leadership style and policies, which may potentially impact the effectiveness of his administration.
1. The Insignificant Vice President:
The role of Vice President Kashim Shettima in the administration has been rendered insignificant, with many questioning his continued relevance. The Muslim-Muslim ticket that was used to woo Northern votes has been exposed as a mere gimmick, leaving the North East region feeling betrayed. According to Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, “The Vice President’s role has been reduced to mere ceremonial functions, a far cry from the robust engagement we expected.”
2. The Weak National Chairman:
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s corruption allegations have continued to plague his tenure, despite his denials. The opposition has capitalized on these allegations, using them to attack the Federal Government. Governor Samuel Ortom noted, “Ganduje’s corruption allegations have damaged the APC’s reputation, and his continued stay as National Chairman is a liability.” Furthermore, Ganduje’s home state of Kano is now controlled by the opposition NNPP, led by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
3. The Liability Senate President:
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has lost credibility due to his handling of the Senate, which has been criticized for being chaotic. His corruption allegations and sexual harassment charges have become synonymous with his name, leading many to question his character and humility. Senator Ovie Omo-Agege stated, “Akpabio’s leadership style has been divisive, and his handling of the Senate has been chaotic.”
4. The National Security Adviser’s Questionable Integrity:
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s threat to sue Najaatu Mohammad over corruption allegations against President Tinubu ended in embarrassment. His failure to follow through on his threat and subsequent denial of ever accusing the President of corruption have tarnished his integrity. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi noted, “Ribadu’s failure to take action against corruption allegations has raised questions about his credibility and integrity.”
5. The Minister of FCT’s Divisive Politics:
Minister of FCT Nwesome Wike’s appointment has been marked by controversy, with many questioning his suitability for the role. Wike, a former PDP member, played anti-party politics in Rivers State to support President Tinubu’s candidacy. Senator Ali Ndume stated, “Wike’s appointment has been a disaster, and his actions have further polarized the polity.”
6. The Buhari Camp’s Growing Discontent:
The politicians who supported President Tinubu’s candidacy, known as the Buhari camp, feel sidelined and are quietly regrouping to challenge the President. Former governor Nasir El-Rufai warned, “The Buhari camp feels betrayed, and their discontent may boil over into a full-blown crisis.”
7. Political Mercenaries:
Reno Omokri and Senator Shehu Sani, once vocal critics of President Tinubu, are now his vocal supporters. Their accusations against the President, ranging from Chicago controversies to drug trafficking allegations, have been conveniently forgotten. Senator Dino Melaye said, “Reno Omokri and Shehu Sani’s sudden U-turn is a classic case of political opportunism, driven by self-interest rather than principle.”
8. The Muslim-Muslim Ticket Mantra:
The Muslim-Muslim ticket mantra used to woo Northern votes has been exposed as a ruse. Northerners are poised to make fresh demands come 2027, which may not bode well for the APC-led government. Hon. Mohammed Monguno predicted, “The Muslim-Muslim ticket was a gimmick that has backfired, and the APC will pay the price in 2027.”
9. Nepotism in Appointments:
President Tinubu’s appointments have been criticized for favoring Yoruba elites, creating a perception that the President is building the Yoruba people above all other tribes in Nigeria. Forner Governor Ifeanyi Okowa noted, “The President’s appointments have been lopsided, favoring Yoruba elites at the expense of other regions.”
10. Seyi Tinubu’s Involvement in Underground Campaigns:
Seyi Tinubu’s involvement in underground campaigns is unlikely to yield positive results for the APC. This move exposes the President’s parental weakness, drawing parallels with the Abacha era. Seyi’s actions are disrupting Lagos’ political landscape, relying on financial influence rather than integrity. Senator Kabiru Gaya stated, “Seyi Tinubu’s actions are a reflection of the President’s weakness, and his reliance on financial influence rather than integrity will ultimately harm the APC.”
11. President Tinubu’s Shift in Leadership Style:
President Tinubu has transformed from a wise leader to a powerful one since taking office. He no longer values consultations, lobbying, and persuasions.”The President’s maiden speech was a clear indication of his disregard for democratic principles, and his unilateral decision-making style will lead to chaos.” – Hon. Kingsley Chinda
-
Business5 months agoComprehensive Media Audit Shows Flutterwave, MTN Nigeria, and Bolt Outpacing Competitors in Media Engagement
-
Politics6 months agoWhy Ighodalo Slammed ₦20 Billion Suit On Oshiomhole
-
Politics6 months agoCampaign funds: LP Tasks NSA, EFCC to probe Obi, Yesufu, Afenifere
-
Politics6 months agoTogether we can make Ewekoro a better local government’ — Sikiru Adesina Urges Party Leaders, Co-contestants