Why APC Can’t Hold National Convention Now – Buni Explains

• The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) explained why it can no longer organise its national convention before the end of the year.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the party attributed the postponement of the exercise till February, next year to  protracted crises in Anambra, Zamfara and other state chapters, logistic challenges, preparation by Christians for Christmas and the proposed governorship election in Ekiti State.

Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, said: There was also the need to concede to President Muhammadu Buhari the honour of picking a date for the convention, following consultations with party stakeholders.

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A tripartite meeting of the president, Progressives Governors Forum, led by Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu and National Caretaker Committee took place on Monday in Aso Villa to discuss the convention.

However, after the meeting, the party resolved to hold the exercise in February 2021, although it was not specific on a particular date.

Also, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, who met President Buhari at Aso Villa, said the party was planning a national congress that would be devoid of acrimony.

Explaining the shift in the proposed date, Bagudu told reporters that it was due to incomplete congresses in four states.

He said: “Yesterday, Nov. 21, the Progressive Governors’ Forum met, where we congratulated and thanked the Caretaker Committee for working so hard in leading the party. We also thanked the President for supporting them to deliver on their mandate.

“I also explained yesterday that the Progressive Governors’ Forum discussed the issue of national convention of the party and they mandated us to come and discuss with the President as the party’s leader to give the input of the governors so that the party and the President will consider.

“Part of the inputs we got yesterday was that we still have four states, which are in the process of completing their congresses like Anambra; understandably because of the recent gubernatorial election, Zamfara and two others, because of logistic challenges and then, Christmas is around the corner and early January we will be very busy with Ekiti.

“So, the governors, based on all these, suggested the party and the President should graciously consider February and the President is favourably disposed to the suggestion.”

Buni, who also spoke on the outcome of the meeting, said: “The Progressive Governors’ Forum, after their meeting, has suggested February to the party and the President has concurred. So, we are going ahead to plan for the convention in February.

“Nigerians should expect more unity and progress as a result of the forthcoming convention.”

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