Buni And APC Crisis -By Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua

For the ruling APC which came to power under the pretext of change mantra to get enmeshed in leadership crises, one is confused to when will our political parties get it right. Since the return of our democracy, political parties which are designed to serve as platforms for power acquisition among politicians have derailed from their constitutional mandates. While leadership crisis in Political parties is not new to Nigerians, it has become inimical to the growth and development of Nigerian democracy. During the PDP’s 16 years of power, Nigerians witnessed how the once boastful largest party in Africa became synonymous to crises. From the administration of president Olusegun Obasanjo down to Jonathan, national chairmen were sacked to ensure the party structure are firmly in control of some vested interest. The frequent change of leadership did not bring any positive development to the party. In facts, the festering crises which engulfed the party lingered so long,until it lost election in 2015. Now, it is history! With the APC at the helm of affairs, Nigerians expect, the era of intrigues will be over. Political analysts assume the ruling party will learn a lesson from the political miscalculation that consumed PDP. However, within its seven years in the saddle,APC has changed two national chairman.

The exist of Adam Oshiomale in June,2020 which paved the way for the nomination of governor mala Buni as chairman,extra ordinary planning convention commitee to conduct national convention within six months, is the genesis of the current crises. Governor Buni, instead of organising convention as directed, within stimulate time, was seen galivating from one state to another. He keeps playing politics with the party. Buni is so much obsessed with opposition politicians joining the ruling party. While Buni can count the defection of some governors and senators as his achievement, his failure to organize convention as scheduled is one of his greatest undoing. It is unarguable to say, the postponement of February 26th convention has angered many APC governors. The toying of the party’s future by buni and his co-travellers necessitated some governors to ask for Mr President’s to intervene . President Muhammadu Buhari, without hesitation dismissed Buni who was in Dubai for medical attention and directed him to hand over the mantle to governor Sani Bello of Niger state.

Despite the assurance of 26 March, for the party convention, it is yet uhuru for the ruling party. The electoral body, INEC, has rejected a letter of invitation sent by the interim head of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abubakar Bello, to attend its emergency meeting. The APC letter dated March 9, was signed by the controversially appointed chairman of the party, Governor Bello of Niger State, requesting the commission’s presence at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The INEC, in its response, rejected the invitation on the ground that the letter of invitation was not signed by the dismissed chairman, Mala Buni and the party’s National Secretary, John Akpanudoedehe, as required by the law.

The Commission draws the attention to the fact that, the notice for the meeting was not signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the CECPC contrary to the provision of the Article 1.1.3 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Party Operations (2018). Furthermore, the APC is reminded of the provision in Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 which requires at least 21 days’ notice of any convention, congress, conference, or meeting convened for the purpose of merger and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any elective office,” the commission noted in the letter.

There is no gainsaying, INEC’s position will further aggravate the crises in the ruling party and puts the much anticipated March 26 National Convention in doubt. Until Buni returns and takes over the party, APC may have to extend it’s convention date again. Besides, there are strong indications that, the party will have to contend with many court orders, arising from the parallel states Congress in which two separate parties executive emerged in some states. This will pose a serious threat to the March 26, convention. Upon all the lingering crises, the APC should have itself to blame. It has allowed Buni to have his way and wrecked great havoc before it stopped him. With the 2023 election fast approaching, will the party able to overcome its numerous challenges?

IBRAHIM MUSTAPHA PAMBEGUA, KADUNA STATE 08169056963.