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Several state chairmen of the ruling All Progressives Congress converged on Abuja for the National Executive Committee meeting on Thursday, only to find a near-empty party secretariat.
There was no sign of the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, nor any members of the National Working Committee on hand to receive them.
The PUNCH had reported on Monday the indefinite postponement of the party’s National Caucus and NEC meetings, originally scheduled for September 11 and 12, respectively.
Although no official reason was provided for the suspension, National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka stated that a new date would be announced later.
Our correspondent gathered that the two crucial meetings were called off because President Bola Tinubu was unavailable to attend.
A staff member at the secretariat, who requested anonymity, told The PUNCH that it was evident the state chairmen were unaware of the development.
“We learned they were in town yesterday. Some members only got wind of the postponement late last night or this morning.
“Unfortunately, even the national chairman and members of the NWC have traveled to Borno on a condolence visit to Vice President Kashim Shettima and Governor Babagana Zulum over the recent flood that displaced many people.
“That explains the confusion you’re seeing this morning,” the source said.
When asked if the confusion indicated a failure or a disconnect between the NWC and its leadership, Forum Secretary Alfonsus Ogar downplayed the matter.
The Cross River APC Chairman told journalists during a Q&A session that, despite knowing about the NEC and Caucus postponement, they took the initiative to visit the secretariat to update the press on their stance on certain party issues.
He said, “Even though we knew the NEC meeting was canceled, we wanted to make sure you heard from us and that you understand these matters (Benue and Rivers crisis) have been put into proper perspective.
“So, our visit is not out of place. At least, we’ve met because Abuja is our center.”
Ogar also dismissed speculation that the APC has become insensitive to the plight of Nigerians currently experiencing the hardship caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy, the floating of the naira, and other economic policies.
He insisted that several efforts were being made to arrange a closed-door meeting with the party leadership and President Bola Tinubu on the pressing issue.
“You mentioned the hardship being felt by Nigerians. Yes, everybody has been complaining. We are not unaware of that. And when we say we’re going to have a closed-door meeting with the party on one side, we will also have another with the Federal Government.
“Until that matter is addressed, it would be premature to address the press on these issues. Rest assured, you’ll hear from us again soon,” he noted.
When contacted for a reaction, the APC’s National Deputy Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, also defended the state chairmen, saying some were already in Abuja before the news of the NEC and Caucus postponement became public.
“They are aware. But some of them arrived before the postponement, while others came in yesterday,” he explained.
Earlier in his remarks, Forum Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi expressed condolences to the family of the late Oyo party chairman, Isaac Omodewu, who passed away last week.
He also extended condolences to the Borno governor and Vice President Shettima over the flood in Maiduguri, which claimed lives and left many homeless.
The Lagos APC Chairman further commended the Ganduje-led NWC for extending the tenure of the Rivers State caretaker committee, led by Chief Tony Okocha.
He said, “Permit us to begin this press briefing by expressing our condolences to the family of Isaac Omodewu, and the APC family in Oyo State, over the passing of our beloved colleague. Similarly, our hearts go out to the people, governor, and government of Borno State, including our amiable Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, over the unfortunate flood that recently ravaged the state.
“While the forum has resolved to have closed-door meetings with the leadership of the National Working Committee and government, we found it necessary to discuss the recent action of the NWC, under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, regarding the tenure extension granted to the caretaker committee of Rivers State APC, led by Chief Tony Okocha.
“This press briefing will be followed by a commendation letter to the National Chairman of our great party, in appreciation of his firm stance on the decision of the APC Rivers State Executive Committee, which suspended the erstwhile executive of Chief Emeka Beke, who was further restrained by the Rivers State High Court.”
According to Ojelabi, the activities of Okocha’s executive in the past seven months have not only made Rivers APC one of the most active and vibrant chapters but have also given “a new lease of life to the doldrums, docility, and chicanery that once pervaded the political landscape of the state before the 2023 general election.”
