Despite President Muhammadu Buhari’s advice and the ongoing convention brouhaha, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has disclosed that the convention’s date is not their top priority, compared to pressing internal disputes and litigations.
All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) announced the party’s stance to newsmen yesterday.
John James Akpanudoedehe, CECPC Secretary, said in a statement that the public would be duly informed when the ruling party chooses a date for their convention.
He said, “Dates for party activities such as meetings, primaries, congresses, national conventions are communicated through well-known official channels and not through ‘sources.’
“As a focus-driven, process-oriented political party, the APC caretaker committee under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni will not be distracted by self-serving antics of the sponsors of fake news.
In an interview President Buhari granted to NTA last week, he warned his party – APC— to take the issue of a national convention seriously. According to him, laxity in the convention preparation could result in the victory of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), come 2023.
Last Sunday, a strategic meeting scheduled between the President and some APC governors did not hold. It was reported that a good number of the APC governors were engaged in their states, rather than being in Abuja for the meeting.
Conjectures by different politicians, with most from the People’s Democratic Party indicated that the APC is internally divided in such a way that a national convention will escalate the conflicts and cause more problems.
Mr. James however summarized that moves were being made at a national level, to ensure that the convention was free of any of such issues.
“The APC caretaker committee is already embarking on nationwide consultations with party stakeholders to prepare the ground for a rancour-free national convention.
“To this end, the sub-committee on budgeting and other substructures will be set up in due course.”
He went on to thank members and leaders of the party, highlighting that solving internal issues, lawsuits, and proper party planning are the core focus of the APC caretaker committee.
“Finally, the party notes and appreciates the continued support of well-meaning members and leaders as the APC caretaker committee undertakes the immediate task of addressing contestations within the party, litigations, fallouts of recently-conducted congresses and generally reposition the party ahead of the national convention,” he said.
