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Buhari Approves February 2022 for APC Convention As Crisis Persists in 12 States
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, approved February 2022 for the All Progressives Congress’ national convention. However, there was no specific date when the convention would hold next February, meaning that nothing was cast in stone.
This comes just as The PUNCH learnt that crises had continued to rock 12 state chapters of the APC with many individuals and groups instituting court cases against the ruling party and its Caretaker Chairman, Mai Mala Buni, who is also the Governor of Yobe State.
The states facing crises are Rivers, Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Osun, Kano, Abia, Zamfara and Kwara, where factions are battling for supremacy.
Buhari had in June 2020 inaugurated the Caretaker/Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee led by Buni with the primary aim of conducting the national convention of the party in December of that year after which the Yobe governor would step aside and a new chairman would have emerged.
Some of the factions are being led by serving ministers in Buhari’s government.
For instance, in Rivers State, factions led by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and Senator Magnus Abe elected different executive councils. While Abe’s faction has as its chairman a former member of the state House of Assembly, Golden Chioma, the Amaechi faction elected Emeka Beke as chairman.
In Kwara State, the party is divided into factions led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.
The Chairman of the APC in Ekiti State, Paul Omotoso, and the state Chairman, South West Agenda for Asiwaju 2023, a pro-Bola Tinubu group, Senator Tony Adeniyi, disagreed over the suit filed by aggrieved party members challenging the conduct of ward congresses in the state.
In Kano State, two factions led by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and Senator Ibrahim Shekarau have continued to tear the party apart, while in Osun State, factions loyal to Governor Gboyega Oyetola and the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, produced parallel state executives.
Addressing State House correspondents after a meeting with Buhari on Monday, the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, announced that the convention might hold in February.
Bagudu was accompanied to the Villa by Buni as well as Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State. The three are believed to be the most influential governors in the party and run its affairs.
Bagudu disclosed to State House correspondents that the meeting was to brief the President on the decision of the Progressives Governors’ Forum when the members met on Sunday night.
According to him, the governors have resolved that the convention should hold in February 2022 and the same suggestion was proposed to the President for approval.
He said, “On November 21, the Progressive Governors’ Forum met and as some of you may have seen in press reports, I spoke after the meeting, where, in addition to congratulating and thanking the caretaker committee for a wonderful job of their leadership of the party and thanking Mr President for supporting them to deliver on their mandate; I also explained that the Progressive Governors’ Forum discussed the issue of the national convention of the party.
“They mandated us to come and discuss with the President, as the party’s leader, to give the inputs of the governors so that the party and the President will consider agreeing on a date for the national convention.
“Yesterday (Sunday), part of the inputs we got was that we still have four states, which are in the process of completing their congresses; Anambra, understandably, because of the election; Zamfara and two others, because of logistic challenges are yet to complete theirs, and then, Christmas is around the corner, and then, early January we’ll be very busy with Ekiti.”
He said the governors, based on all that, agreed that the party and the President might consider February for the convention.
The President, Bagudu stated, was favourably disposed to it, adding, “The chair of the caretaker committee was part of the delegation and I’m sure there will be a conclusion between him and the President.
“But we have made the input of the governors known. It was favourably considered by Mr President.”
When asked for a specific date in February, Buni said, “Well, we’ll let you know; you know, we have to work on a timetable, which of course has to be communicated to our various state chapters for them to be ready for the convention.”
He also dispelled fears that the tentative date was just an idea of the governors and excluded other caucuses within the party, explaining that there was wide consultation over it and it was a result of good planning.
“Of course, we have to consult widely and it was part of the reasons why the governors met yesterday (Sunday); 20 of the 22 governors attended the meeting. So, it is in consultation to that effect. So, it is a well consulted and a well thought out plan,” he said.
Asked for a response to those who accused him of trying to elongate his stay as chairman of the caretaker committee of the party, Buni stated, “How? Am I a jobless person, who is always trying to extend his tenure? To do what?
“I have my primary responsibility as a governor to go back to my state and carry out my primary responsibility. What I’m here to do is ad hoc, and of course, to reposition the party, and that is exactly what we’re able to achieve.”
Quizzed about what Nigerians should expect from the party after the convention, he said, “Well, they will expect more unity and progress. Like the PGF chairman said, they have suggested to the party and Mr President has concurred; so, we are going ahead to plan for the convention in February.”
The governor said the party would notify the Independent National Electoral Commission, while it would draft a timetable.
The Punch
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has once again brought before the Senate a petition alleging sexual harassment from Senate President Godswill Akpabio. But this time, it was signed by her constituents.
During the plenary on Thursday, Senator Natasha was asked whether the matter was already before any court of law. But she said it was not. Following protocol, the lawmaker was directed to formally submit the petition, after which it was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.
The committee has been given four weeks to conduct its probe and report to the Senate.
This marks the second time the Kogi Central lawmaker has raised the allegation in the chamber. A previous petition was dismissed on Wednesday owing to procedural irregularities.
During the plenary on Thursday, Senator Natasha was asked whether the matter was already before any court of law. But she said it was not. Following protocol, the lawmaker was directed to formally submit the petition, after which it was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.
The committee has been given four weeks to conduct its probe and report to the Senate.
This marks the second time the Kogi Central lawmaker has raised the allegation in the chamber. A previous petition was dismissed on Wednesday owing to procedural irregularities.
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said that the senate is an institution that needs to be protected, not an individual.
This was revealed on his X handle on Saturday in the aftermath of the ongoing backlash of the allegation of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Arise TV in an interview against Senate President, Godswill Apkabio.
Akpabio’s wife filed a lawsuit against Senator Natasha at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja over alleged defamation and violation of her husband’s fundamental human rights.
Saraki expressed sadness over the development as he stated that the incident is already hurting the integrity, sanctity, image and public perception of the Senate as an institution.
“I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno among the three arms of government,” he said.
Saraki urged the two parties to sheath their swords and warned that supporters of both parties should be mindful of the impacts of their actions.
He advised that the instruments of law and parliamentary conventions should be adhered to in resolving the issue on the ground. He also called for an investigation of the matter by the Senate Committee on Ethics.
“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions,” he said.
“Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation.
“For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the explosive allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement shared on his official Twitter handle on Friday, Atiku stressed that the gravity of these claims demands immediate and transparent action.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,” Atiku said.
He talked about the need for a credible investigation to protect the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and uphold the values of justice and accountability.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
Atiku reminded Nigerians that the Senate, as the legislative arm of government, represents the people’s voice.
“For that reason, its leaders must embody integrity and respect for the offices they hold.
“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character,” he added.
Beyond the political implications, Atiku highlighted the far-reaching impact of sexual harassment on women’s participation in governance and national development.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility,” he said.
Atiku warned that how this case is handled will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, fairness, and gender equality.
The former VP also pointed out the urgent need to create a safe and supportive environment for female legislators, especially given their underrepresentation in the Senate.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation,” he said.
The allegations by Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked widespread reactions across the country, with civil society organizations and gender rights advocates demanding swift and decisive action.
