The All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/Extra-ordinary National Convention Planning Committee is coming under massive pressure from prominent power blocs and chieftains to sack some of the state executive councils.
But the Governor Mai-Mala Buni led committee is exercising caution in their handling the issue especially as it relates to Rivers, Ogun, Kaduna and Lagos States, according to reports.
The Nation reports that party leaders, including Governors, Ministers, National Assembly members and others are seeking Buni’s prompt intervention in the affairs of some of the divided state chapters, while the committee has been inundated with petitions and complaints by aggrieved chieftains and members.
“It is something of serious concern to the chairman and his members as they do not wish to deviate from the mandate of their committee which is to reconcile the various groups and interests in the party and host a convention that will give the party a new and acceptable National Working Committee within six months,” a well- placed party source said.
“But immense pressure is daily being exerted on the committee, especially the chairman by power blocs and chieftains within the party, who want the new party leadership to intervene decisively in the matters concerning some state chapters.
“In fact, some of these people are seeking the dissolution of some state executives and the constitution of new leaderships.
“While some are brandishing court judgements to back their claims, others are alleging irregularities in the process leading to the emergence of the current executive committee in some state.
“Funny enough, some of those seeking Buni’s drastic intervention in their favour are still having cases in court contrary to the directives of both President Muhammadu Buahri and the Caretaker committee.
“Many of them already have petitions submitted to the Chief Bisi Akande-led Reconciliation committee of the party, but are unwilling to wait for the reconciliation process to start before urging the Caretaker Committee boss to tamper with the structure in their states.”
But the Yobe State governor is said to be unflinching in his resolve to maintain the status quo in the state chapters.
“Buni recently told a serving Minister to respect the directive of the President concerning court cases and instruct his allies to withdraw the cases they have in court.
“Similarly, a colleague governor and a former Senator were told in clear terms that the committee will not treat any complaint from them until they get their supporters to withdraw court cases instituted against the party in their respective states.
“The Caretaker committee is united in its decision not to do anything that will create new crisis. Tampering with state chapters is one of such,” said an insider.
One of Buni’s current headaches, it was learnt, is the pressure from the factions of the party in Rivers state where Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Magnus Abe are struggling for control of the party.
In Ogun state, a group loyal to former governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, is said to be lobbying the Caretaker committee to be declared the authentic state executive committee in place of the current Caretaker committee instituted by the APC National Working Committee in 2018.
