There are indications that the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, is facing a battle to remain the party’s chairman following his disapproval of the principal officers of the National Assembly announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas on Tuesday. Multiple sources have revealed that Adamu’s disowning of the principal officers named by Akpabio and Abbas is among the factors that may lead to his ouster as chairman.
It has been gathered that Adamu’s position on the principal officers was seen as a defiance of President Bola Tinubu’s wishes, as the National Assembly leadership reportedly had the support of the presidency before making the announcements. Senate President Akpabio had announced Senators Opeyemi Bamidele, Dave Umahi, Ali Ndume, and Lola Ashiru as Majority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader, Chief Whip, and Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, respectively. Similarly, Speaker Abbas named Julius Ihonvbere and Kingsley Chinda as the majority leader and minority leader, respectively, in the House of Representatives. Both representatives are from the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reacting to the development, the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC immediately disowned the announcement, stating that the party had not officially communicated with both presiding officers of the national legislature. During a meeting with APC governors on Tuesday, Adamu emphasized that it is the party’s responsibility to communicate such decisions to the assembly leadership, adding that the NWC under him was not breaking away from tradition.
See Also: APC Convention: Senator Adamu Emerges Chairman By Consensus
However, Adamu’s disapproval of the principal officers has caused rifts within the party. During the meeting, APC governors cautioned Adamu to be more diplomatic in his approach to issues. Some governors reportedly urged him to resolve the matter amicably and prevent a crisis. Governor Umar Bago of Niger State also criticized Adamu’s position, stating that the emergence of the National Assembly leaders had the blessing of the President.
Following Adamu’s disapproval, sources have hinted that the APC chairman may be replaced, and the President is currently searching for a suitable candidate. The President’s position on Adamu’s future is expected to be revealed during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for July 11.
In addition, three members of the APC NWC distanced themselves from Adamu’s remarks disclaiming the appointment of principal officers for the National Assembly. These members expressed concern that the chairman’s actions undermined the smooth take-off of the APC-led Federal Government. They also pointed out that the emergence of the National Assembly leaders had the President’s approval.
There are speculations that Adamu’s removal from office may be imminent due to his recent statements. The APC chairman’s disapproval of the principal officers, his strained relationship with President Tinubu, and his alleged opposition to Tinubu’s presidential candidacy in the past have raised concerns within the party. However, the exact timing of his potential removal remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu recently met with Adamu and the party’s Secretary, Dr. Iyiola Omisore, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The details of their discussion have not been disclosed, but there are rumors that Tinubu is keeping his ministerial list and the appointment of board members confidential, leaving politicians guessing about his intentions.
As the situation unfolds, the APC faces internal divisions and the possibility of a leadership shake-up. The party’s NEC meeting on July 11 will shed more light on the fate of Senator Abdullahi Adamu as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress
(APC). It remains to be seen how the party will navigate these challenges and maintain unity moving forward.
Source: VanguardNGR