A growing conflict within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged as several prominent political figures clash with the party leadership over the recent appointments to the National Working Committee (NWC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During a media briefing on Wednesday, the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, unveiled the results of the NWC meeting held at the APC National Secretariat, revealing the newly elected officials….CONTINUE READING

The list of new officials comprises Ali Bukar Dalori (Borno State), who will now serve as deputy national chairman, North (North East Zone), succeeding Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture. Garba Datti Muhammad (Kaduna State) has been chosen to replace Salihu Moh Lukman as national vice chairman, North West (North West).

Ajibola further disclosed that Abdul Karim Abubakar Kana (Nasarawa State) has been appointed as the national legal adviser for the North Central Zone, replacing his resigned predecessor.

The announcement also included Donatus Nwankpa (Abia State) as the new national welfare secretary (South East Zone), succeeding the late Friday Nwosu. Mary Alile Idele from Edo State has been designated as the national women leader (South-South).

However, the alterations in appointments from Abia, Kogi, and Cross River States led to unexpected unrest within the party.

The replacement of Stella Odey-Ekpo by Mary Alile Idele as National Women Leader, backed by Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, as well as the switch from Yahaya Ade Ismail to Duro Meseko as Deputy National Publicity Secretary, supported by Governor Yahaya Bello, generated dissatisfaction among party stakeholders. Donatus Nwankpa also took over as National Welfare Officer, succeeding Martins Azubuike.

The sudden changes prompted criticism from party members, who expressed frustration at the lack of prior consultation regarding these decisions.

Reports indicate that opposition against the new appointments is primarily led by Yahaya Bello and Dr. Betta Edu.

In an official statement, the Kogi State chapter of the APC rejected the appointments, citing a lack of consultation.

Betta Edu was reportedly instrumental in mobilizing protesters to occupy the party’s national secretariat, while Governor Bello and Kogi lawmakers were present at the National Secretariat to prevent the inauguration of the new NWC members.

The scheduled inauguration, initially planned for 2 p.m. on Thursday, was postponed to enable the party to engage in dialogue with dissenting stakeholders.

An internal source revealed that Cross River State’s multiple ministerial positions under President Tinubu’s administration influenced the replacement of Odey-Ekpo, redirecting the nomination to another state.

Additionally, Ismail’s replacement was attributed to the influence of James Faleke, an ally of President Bola Tinubu.