…As its NWC fixes emergency NEC meeting for September
Strong indications have emerged that the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu, might be eased out soon, if plans by governors elected on the platform of the party and other stakeholders pull through.
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. Akume also served as a Senator.
Adamu, upon his assumption of office, sought extra powers to carry out some reforms and take drastic decisions ahead of the primaries of the party. About three weeks after his emergence, specifically on 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, hence the need to hold an emergency NEC meeting in September.
Though some of the issues on the agenda of the NEC meeting are still shrouded in secrecy, a member of the NWC told newsmen that talks about a possible leadership change in the APC were already in top gear. He informed that although Tuesdays NWC meeting didnt entertain the rumoured change, some party leaders sought some clarifications on recent developments in the party.
The reliable source, who pleaded not to be named, said the on-going financial audit, non-payment of staff salaries and inability of the party to meet other financial obligations, were already generating concerns. According to him, the APC governors, whom he said 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, however, declined any further information on when the changes might be executed, only adding that President Muhammadu Buhari had not been briefed on the plans, over fears that he might not support the move.
The source further 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 Buharis administration, is top on the list.
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.
