APC Convention: Uncertainty As Fresh Membership Registration Splits Party

A fresh crisis is looming in the All Progressives Congress over the decision of the Mai-Mala Buni-led Caretaker/ Extra-Ordinary National Convention Committee to conduct fresh membership registration.

The PUNCH gathered on Wednesday that the decision had pitted the committee and governors sympathetic to it against some elements in the party, including the immediate past National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and its National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

It was learnt that those who were opposed to the Buni-led committee’s decision were of the view that the panel was going beyond its mandate by planning fresh membership registration.

An APC chieftain, who confided in The PUNCH, said the committee was indirectly seeking tenure extension through the planned membership registration.

Buni, who met with APC chairmen from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, confirmed that the party would embark on a fresh membership registration before the national convention, which was initially scheduled for next month.

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Buni said, “Please, also allow me to use this opportunity to inform us all that the need for our party to undertake a national membership register update is sacrosanct to our strength and preparation for all upcoming and future electioneering outings.

“The CECPC is already at the table strategising on the national membership registration exercise. The responsibility is on you as able state chairmen to commence the procedure for full sensitisation and needed awareness for a successful membership registration exercise in your various states as we all wait for the final briefing from CECPC.

“The chairman of CECPC and the entire membership of the committee reiterate our unreserved commitment to the full development of our party and continually seek your full support to drive the party to our desired destination. By this, I finally submit that your freedom to express yourself within the ambit of our party laws and regulations in the interest of the party cannot be more guaranteed than it is now.”

After Wednesday’s meeting, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Yekini Nabena, issued a statement titled, “36 APC State Chairmen Pass Vote of Confidence in Governor Buni-led Caretaker Committee.”

The statement read in part, “Chairmen of the APC in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have passed a vote of confidence on the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/Extra Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the APC.”