In a surprising turn of events, the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been taken over by a contingent of police personnel. Approximately 100 officers have been deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed members of the National Working Committee (NWC). The ceremony, scheduled for 1pm today, has been met with both anticipation and protest.
As the news of the new NWC members was announced on Wednesday, discontent began to brew within the party. This dissatisfaction culminated in a group of protesters storming the party secretariat to voice their grievances against certain newly elected members of the NWC. The atmosphere outside the secretariat is tense, with the police erecting barricades on Blantyre Street, Wuse 2, Abuja, effectively blocking off the road to motorists.
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One of the key points of contention arises from the replacement of Yakubu Ajaka, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary (North Central Zone), with Duro Meseko from Kogi State. This decision resulted in the loss of Governor Yahaya Bello’s preferred candidate, as James Faleke secured the position of Deputy National Publicity Secretary instead. Governor Bello, in a show of support for his candidate, arrived at the secretariat in the early hours of Thursday, further heightening tensions.
Another controversial appointment was that of Mary Alile Idele from Edo State as the National Women Leader (South South Zone). Idele was the candidate of Adams Oshiomhole, while Dr. Stella Odey-Ekpo, the candidate of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Beta Edu, was overlooked. This decision has sparked accusations of favoritism and further deepened the divide within the party.
The situation in Abia State is equally contentious, with allegations that the recommended candidates of both the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and the State Chairman, Ikechi Emenike, lost to the candidate of Governor Hope Uzodimma. These allegations have added fuel to the already simmering tensions surrounding the party secretariat.
The presence of the police at the APC national secretariat aims to maintain order and ensure the smooth conduct of the swearing-in ceremony. However, the heavy police presence also serves as a visible reminder of the divisions and unrest within the party. The clashes between supporters of different candidates and the protests outside the secretariat highlight the deep-rooted dissatisfaction and power struggles within the APC.
As the swearing-in ceremony approaches, all eyes are on the national secretariat. The outcome of today’s events will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the party’s unity and future direction. The police presence, while necessary for security purposes, adds an air of tension and uncertainty to the proceedings.
The APC, once known for its cohesion and strong leadership, now finds itself embroiled in internal conflicts and power struggles. The decisions made regarding the NWC appointments have only served to exacerbate existing divisions. The party must find a way to address these grievances and unite its members if it hopes to regain its former strength and credibility.
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In the coming days, it will be crucial to observe how the newly appointed NWC members navigate these challenges and work towards rebuilding trust within the party. The APC’s ability to effectively govern and fulfill its promises to the Nigerian people hinges on its ability to overcome internal divisions and present a united front.
As the nation watches the events unfolding at the APC national secretariat, it is clear that the party is at a critical juncture. The decisions made in the coming hours and days will shape the future of the APC and have a significant impact on the Nigerian political landscape. Only time will tell if the party can rise above its current challenges and emerge stronger and more united than ever before.
