New APC Leadership Write President Tinubu, Tables Fresh Request

The Abubakar Kyari-led leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has written to President Bola Tinubu on postponing the long-awaited National Caucus and National Executive Committee meetings.

Recall that the Acting National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abubakar Kyari, had on Monday announced the resignation of his successor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore.

It was gathered that the National Working Committee might be looking toward October to convene a National Convention to complete the transition of filling the vacant offices.

Offices to be filled during the Convention include the position of National Chairman, National Secretary.

Others are Deputy National Publicity Secretary, formerly occupied by Murtala Ajaka, who is running for the office of Kogi governor on the platform of Social Democratic Party and National Welfare Officer, which the late Friday Nwosu previously occupied.

According to sources, the acting APC chair had written to the President requesting a meeting with the National Working Committee.

Speaking with The PUNCH, APC National Vice Chairman for South-East, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, noted the priority of the ruling party is holding a caucus and NEC meetings.

He said, “We are still preparing for our NEC and National Caucus meeting. It is after we have those two meetings that we will know the direction of the party. Nobody is talking about Convention. It is the caucus and NEC meetings that we are focus on for now.”

He disclosed that the new party leadership is planning to have a private meeting with the president.

“Yes. In fact, we have sent a letter to the president to intimate him about our decision to postpone both the caucus and NEC meetings. So we are in the planning stage because of the new leadership,” he said.

Arodiogbu stated that the exit of Kyari and a few notable persons being considered for ministerial positions would not create an additional vacuum before an emergency Convention takes place.

He noted: “No. The people being considered for ministerial appointments already know themselves, and they are keen on retaining the party’s position like myself. Whatever backing we take, it is something we will, as a party, decides on the best way to fill them before the NEC.

“The date for the NEC has not been decided yet. My own thinking is maybe towards the end of the year. You know the planning of congress is not something that will happen within the one month. I don’t think so. We are more concerned with the NEC happening within the next two weeks. But then, the government must settle down first by announcing and inaugurating the cabinet.”

An informed source at the party secretariat also confirmed that some representatives of the APC leadership that, may include the national chairman, secretary, and an undisclosed person, are preparing to visit the president.