As Buni cancels APC NEC meeting slated for today
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, (CECPC), Mai Mala Buni, yesterday, paid a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in London, UK.
Buni made the brief stop-over in London following a medical trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, (UAE).
According to one of his aides, the Yobe State Governor and the President had a brief and fruitful discussion on measures to move APC forward preparatory to the national convention and the 2023 General election.
During the meeting, the president reportedly asked Buni to take charge of the forthcoming convention of the APC and ensured that everything went smoothly.
The President also wrote a letter, dated March 16, addressed to Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi governor and chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), directing him to ensure that Buni took charge immediately.
In a letter, Buhari said APC has demonstrated its inability to proceed with the issue of effecting change in the leadership of the CECPC.
The president further said because of the rancour in the party, the issue of the leadership of the CECPC should immediately return to the status quo ante.
The president said there is a need for the party to avoid litigation because the party has aggrieved members who have threatened to go to court.
He added that all members of the Governors Forum and their followers should desist from any behaviour or utterance that would likely lead to disunity in the ranks of the party and ultimately jeopardise the transition to the convention.
Buhari ordered that the Buni-led CECPC should be allowed to proceed with all necessary preparations o hold the convention as planned unfailingly on 26th March, 2022.
Buni’s aide also added that Buni is expected back to Nigeria today, Thursday, to resume office as the Chairman APC Caretaker Committee.
The meeting with Buhari was held after the tension over the APC leadership crisis was doused.
Governor Sani Bello, of Niger State, had stepped in to take charge of the party, but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to recognise Bello.
Subsequently, Bunis men regained control of the ruling party and commenced preparations for the partys convention.
Meanwhile, following the President’s letter directing Buni to return as the CECPC Caretaker chairman, the NEC meeting was subsequently cancelled.
The National Secretary of the party, Sen. John Akpanudoedehe disclosed this yesterday, in an issued statement which stated: As directed by the National Chairman of the APC/CECPC), Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, a purported emergency meeting of the Partys NEC slated for Thursday, March 26, 2022, is hereby cancelled.
The leadership of the party had earlier commenced preparation for todays meeting and the NEC meeting had been set up before the Presidents letter came. However, the party would continue with its preparation for the national convention scheduled to hold on March 26.
