The governing All Progressives Congress, APC, has denied reports that the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary and the former Zonal Organising Secretary, who both left the party, have been replaced by the party’s National Working Committee, which is led by Abdullahi Ganduje.
The names of the replaced party officials that were circulated on Thursday, according to a statement signed by the APC chairman in Kogi State, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, did not come from the state chapter of the party. He added that this was a clear violation of the APC constitution by known destabilisation agents.
The Kogi State APC, led by Governor Yahaya Bello, reportedly met to approve and submit names of replacements for the national and zonal officers who left the party after the resignation of the two officers from the party, according to the APC Chairman.
Bello said, “The State Chapter ratified Hon. Yahaya Ade Ismail as the new Deputy National Publicity Secretary and Hon. Isiaka Musa as the Zonal Organising Secretary for North Central.” In accordance with our constitution’s stipulations, the North Central Zonal Party Chairman forwarded the ratified replacements to the National Working Committee.
To our surprise, the National Working Committee came up with odd names that weren’t approved by the State Chapter or the North Central Zone of the party, and they ostensibly went ahead and ratified them, citing ‘Presidency interest’ as their justification. Our party’s constitution is being flagrantly and blatantly violated, and we vehemently reject the move.
“Our confidence in Mr. President as a man who respects the rules of our party and a man who believes in due process is unwavering in the face of the current confusion foisted upon the party by those who are omitting his name in order to further their own selfish objectives.”
He urged the APC’s National Working Committee to undo the unconstitutional substitutions made on their behalf without ratification or consent, and he added that the opposition party should return to its ratified list as they are occupying those positions on behalf of the State Chapters.
“Now that we have handed Kogi State over to the APC, the least we can ask for is the party hierarchy’s continued support as we work to reach new heights.
Therefore, the Kogi State Chapter of the APC condemns the National Working Committee’s decision in its totality and implores it to adhere to our party’s constitution and the due process standards for which our party is renowned.
“We are confident that the party’s interest is for Kogi State to remain an APC stronghold, particularly as we move closer to November 11 to retain the State,” he said.
