By Abdullahi Mohammed, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has once again intervened in the uncertainties currently rocking the All progressives Congress (APC).In a letter addressed to Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State who is also the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, the President said the multiplicity of cases currently rocking the party has the prospect of invalidating the activities and actions of the Party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The letter was also copied to the Chairman of Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECPC), the Acting Chairman of the CECPC, Governor Sani Bello, the Director General of the DSS as well as the Inspector General of Police.Th President said since the party could not change the leadership of the CECPC without infringing on the time limit set by INEC, and the fact that the current uncertainties and controversies “pose a real threat to the party,” the leadership of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECC) should immediately return to status quo ante.The letter reads in part:
“As you are, no doubt aware, the All Progressives Congress, APC, is currently facing a litany of controversies and some level of uncertainties that may ultimately question its status and affect the status and feasibility of its proposed National Convention.“In addition, it has come to my attention that, because of recent events, the APC is faced with a multiplicity of court cases pending against it in various courts across the country. As a result of this, the party faces the possibility and prospect of the invalidation of all its activities and actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).“Furthermore, the party has demonstrated its inability to proceed with the issue of effecting change in the leadership of its CaretakerExtraordinary Convention Committee (CECC), in a way that is inclusive, legal and respectful of the time limit set and required for giving the INEC sufficient notice of the time and venue for holding its convention.
“No doubt, these controversies and uncertainties, as enumerated above, pose a real threat to the party; and may lead to a possible non-recognition of its activities, elections and the probable invalidation of all its other actions by INEC. This may ultimately even lead its implosion and non-existence.“There is, therefore, an urgent need for the party to, as much as possible, avoid all controversies, litigations and all other necessary distractions and quickly get its acts together.
“In view of the foregoing, therefore, I would like now to direct as follows: a. First, the issue of the leadership of the Caretaker Extra OrdinaryConvention Committee (CECC), should immediately return to statusquo ante; b. Second, all members of the Governors’ Forum and their followers should desist from any behaviour or utterance that will likely lead to disunity in the ranks of the party, and ultimately jeopardise thetransition to the convention; c. Third, the Mai Mala Buni-led CECC should, accordingly, be allowed to proceed with all necessary preparations to hold the convention asplanned- unfailingly, on 26t March, 2022.”