The All Progressive Congress (APC) is presently embroiled in what many see as a crises that if not well managed could lead to the disintegration of the ruling party.
The “ABC” of the issues on ground as regards the basic facts, principles and crux of all the forgoing cannot be alienated from the control of the party, the key persons involved and the connections and combos that are playing major roles in all the intrigues.
The revolving factor in all intrigues and maneuvers is the “A” factor which is the Party itself the All Progressive Congress (APC), it is becoming so glaring that the control of the party seems to be the major target in all the “war” and who gets the controlling power would determine what direction the party would sway.
Another “A” element is the National Secretary of the party, Akpanudoedehe John who seems to be confused and unsure of where he stands in the scheme of things at the moment.
Akpanudoedehe was reported to have issued a statement denying the sacking of Buni as Caretaker Chairman of the Party.
His statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to sponsored media reports on an imaginary leadership change in the All Progressives Congress Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee.
“The media report is fake news and should be disregarded.”
“The APC is a progressive political party guided by rules. Leadership changes are not announced by ‘sources’ through name dropping in the media.”
“We urge our teeming supporters, members and indeed the general public to remain calm and support the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led APC CECPC conduct a rancour-free and credible National Convention deserving of our great party.”
The “B” factors happen to be the main players in the whole saga, Buhari, who was reported to have ordered the ouster of another “B” element Buni Mai Mala who is the sitting Governor of Yobe State and the Caretaker Chairman of the Party.
While the other “B” element is the Governor of Niger State Bello Sani who was said to have on orders from above arrived physical at the Party Secretariat to take over the mantle of the Chairman Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee.
On his arrival at the Party’s Secretariat, Governor Bello had convened a meeting of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee and State chairmen of the Party.
The “C” elements in all the intrigues and maneuvers are the various “Connections” and “Combos” allegedly involved in all the happenings.
The Jonathan Connection.
Buni’s alleged reluctance to organise the National Congress of the Party as promised, is believed to be linked to his rumoured Vice Presidential bid as running mate to former President Jonathan. In some quarters it is believed that the Buni camp within the APC has been behind plots to enlist the former President as Presidential candidate of the APC.
While Jonathan has largely kept mum on the raging speculations of his alleged bid to run for the Presidency under the APC, factions within the Party have at various times either hinted on or denied the possibility.
The tripartite “Combo” of El-Rufai, Kayode Fayemi and Sani Bello
Reports making the rounds have it that the emergence of Governor Sani Bello as APC’s caretaker Chairman may in fact be a palace coup as reports are rife that the powers that be in the party want Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, the former Governor of Nasarawa State and endorsed choice of National Chairman by President Buhari, is dropped for Niger State’s Sen. Sani Musa.
The reports have it that, the candidature of Sani Musa as National Chairman is being pushed by the duo of Fayemi and El Rufai, who are both believed to have eyes for the Presidential slot.
It remains to be seen how this would pan out. Although the clear indication of its credibility would be the opposition of the candidature of Buhari’s preferred choice Abdullahi Adamu as National Chairman of the Party.
Should Governor Sani Bello seek to oppose the emergence of Abdullahi Adamu as Party Chairman in favour of Sani Musa, the unanticipated palace coup would have effectively crystallised.
The events of the next hours and days will give clarity to the currently hazy issues around APC’s leadership tussle and Presidential candidate.
For now, Gov. Sani Bello is believed to have the nod of President Buhari to organise the National Congress as earlier announced by the Party.
Gov. Mai Mala Buni is said to be currently on medical vacation in Dubai, just as President Buhari embarks on his medical trip to the United Kingdom, after momentarily returning to hand over power to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Meanwhile, the ouster of Buni is being viewed in some quarters as illegal, given that it is said to differ from party guidelines on producer. How this pans out in the long run for the Party remains to be seen.
