APC State Chairmen Declare Position As Buhari Shop For Abba Kyari’s Replacement

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmen in the 36 States of Nigeria and the FCT has denied taking any position over President Muhammadu Buhari’s search for a new Chief of Staff.

Naija News recalls that Abba Kyari, whose death was announced last Friday, had died of complications from the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In a statement on Friday, the Chairman, Forum of APC Chairmen and Borno APC, Ali Bukar Dalori, said the clarification became necessary as the forum would not be dragged into an issue beyond their mandate.

The APC Chairman said: “While thanking our friends and media houses for the constant coverage of our forum’s activities, I am compelled to issue this clarification over a serious error by a national newspaper in reporting our condolence message to Mr President and leader of our party.

“Our message to the President was purely to convey our thoughts and prayers to him over the loss of his Chief of Staff and friend of over 40 years. In reporting the condolence, it was erroneously suggested that we recommended the APC national leadership to choose late Abba Kyari’s successor for the President.

“While it is totally outside our mandate to be involved on issue of the President’s Chief of Staff, associating us with such matter at a time the President and the country is at the peak of bereavement is highly insensitive to the mood of the President, our party and the country.

“In addition, we know a vacant office of Chief of Staff is not one that the constitution mandates immediate replacement, hence, there was never a basis for hurry.”

Dalori noted that the appointment of Chief of Staff, being the closest and most senior personal aide, is normally the exclusive privilege of the sitting President.