The All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) led by the national chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, has regained the authority of the party leadership after the skirmishes of the failed coup led by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state and others.
The National Secretary of the APC Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), John James Akpanudoedehe, in a statement acknowledged the recent upheaval and the leadership crisis in the party, clarifying that the Buni-led CECPC is still in charge of the leadership of the party unto the national convention on March 26. He narrated the circumstances of the emergence of the CECPC approved by the APC NEC.
Akpanudoedehe had declared: “the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the Chairmanship of Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, makes this Press Release to clarify the events of last week and reassure the membership and stakeholders of the Party, as well as the Nigerian people in general, that the Governing Party is crisis-free, strong and remains united in giving the country the transformative leadership and good governance which she promised them.
“The CECPC therefore informs the Press and the General Public as follows:
“That the CECPC was appointed, and has always done her best, to steer the affairs of the APC in line with the mandate invested in her at inauguration by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress.
“That on the 28th day of February 2022 the CECPC Chairman took a long-delayed trip abroad on health grounds, leaving behind written authorisation for other members of the CECPC to continue work in his absence, particularly the day-to-day management of the APC.
“That in his absence, sundry activities earlier scheduled for action appeared to develop fresh urgency in order to satisfy the Timetable for the 2023 General Elections released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), thus, galvanizing some within the CECPC to act in their best understanding of both the situation and the leadership dynamics in the Committee/Party.
“That all such actions were clearly identified at all times as happening in an acting or proxy capacity, and under the auspices of the substantive Chairman, His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, contrary to widespread speculations that the Chairman, Secretary, or some other officials of the CECPC have been removed from Office or otherwise replaced.
“That the CECPC is intact and functional as originally constituted.
“That delivering a seamlessly successful National Convention for the APC on March 26, 2022, is top on priority for the CECPC and we shall continue to execute such assignments as are legal pending the return of the Chairman who is on his way back to the country and shall resume Office on arrival with the full support of all members and other stakeholders.”
Akpanudoedehe thanked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that contributed strongly to the foiling of the Bello coup to oust Buni. According to the CECPC national secretary, “We are grateful to INEC for her firm guidance in the entire circumstances.”
The APC CECPC national secretary disclosed that the party has engaged a team of senior lawyers to address a purported court order halting the planned APC National Convention.
“We hereby call on the Judiciary to give the matter the needed and expedient attention in our bid to vacate the purported Court order and allow for the conduct of a transparent and rancour-free National Convention deserving of our great party, APC.
“The Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) hereby restates absolute loyalty to the APC, thanks the National Organs and leadership of our Party led by President Muhammadu Buhari and reassures our members and citizens that the Party is stronger than ever before and poised to extend her winning streak since 2015 into 2023 and beyond,” the national secretary declared.