Why APC Is Doing Membership Revalidation – Buni Fires Back At Akande

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Mai Mala Buni has explained that the membership revalidation exercise embarked upon by the party is very important.

Buni made this view known on Thursday in response to a position by the APC pioneer national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande who had earlier argued that the exercise is an aberration and a waste of resources.

Akande questioned the decision of the party leadership to call for a re-validation of the party’s membership register less than ten years after the party was initially formed in 2014.

Akande in his submission while speaking at the APC (2021) membership registration and revalidation exercise in Ila Orangun, Osun State, noted that if not properly managed, handpicking the leadership of any political party might spell danger for such a party.

He added that calling for an update of the membership register less than ten years after the formation of the party is an aberration that should not be taken lightly by the leaders.

However, Buni, who is also the Yobe State Governor in a reaction to Akande’s submission said the ongoing nationwide membership revalidation exercise is a strategic move by the APC.

Buni in a statement issued on his behalf by his Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, Mr. Mamman Mohammed, said the exercise gives a sense of belonging to party members and is a planning tool for the party leadership.

“Since the initial exercise in 2014, the party has not registered new members nor updated the personal information of our existing members as provided for by the constitution.

“The registration exercise gives our new members a sense of belonging and the existing members will update their information while those who left the party will have their names removed from the party register,” he said.

On rumours that the APC has plans to field former President Goodluck Jonathan as its 2023 presidential candidate, Buni said such talks were too premature as they were focused on rebuilding the party and reconciling aggrieved members at the moment.

“It is diversionary to start discussing 2023 elections now.”

“We have a sitting president, Muhammadu Buhari, who is less than two years in office for his second term, we are concentrating on the success of his administration,” Buni stated.

It will be recalled that earlier, when contacted to respond to the submission by Chief Akande, the Secretary of the Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee CECPC of the APC, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe on Wednesday night said it is a no go area and the party will allow it to pass due to the high esteem in which it holds Akande.

“Ah ah, anything that concerns Baba Akande is no go area. For me, I owe Baba Akande and Tinubu a lot of gratitude, honour and respect.

“Mr. President, the Chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni and the party hold them in high esteem too. Whatever he (Akande) said, we allow it to pass,” the APC scribe was reported by The Nation to have said.