Ganduje has a challenging opponent in the campaign for national chairperson
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Once again, the All Progressives Congress (APC) faces a leadership crisis, posing the first test for President Bola Tinubu in his role as the party’s manager.
According to emerging reports, President Tinubu has expressed his support for former Governor Umar Ganduje as his preferred candidate for the chairmanship of the party. However, Ganduje’s path may not be straightforward due to the existing division within the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party and the zoning arrangement.
The crisis within the party has been brewing for several months, culminating in the sudden departure of the National Chairman, Abdulahi Adamu, and the National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, on Monday. Nonetheless, their departure hasn’t resolved the underlying issues as the NWC remains divided between those allied with Adamu and those supporting Abubakar Kyari, the Acting National Chairman.
The emergence of Kyari as Acting Chairman has been met with criticism by some members, who believe that having someone from the North-central region would have been more appropriate. However, the APC constitution supports Kyari’s appointment based on section 14.2, which states that the Deputy Chairman (North and South) shall act as the National Chairman in the absence of the National Chairman from his Zone.
President Tinubu has faced accusations of sidelining the North-central during the composition of the leadership of the National Assembly, where the North-west obtained the Speaker and Deputy Senate President positions. Nevertheless, supporters defended this arrangement, considering that the North-central held the National Chairman position. Additionally, the President later appointed the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation from the North-central.
With Adamu’s departure, speculations suggest that the President may turn to the North-central region for a replacement. Possible candidates from the region include Sen Sani Musa, Tanko Almakura, and Simon Lalong. However, it seems that President Tinubu prefers to appoint a trusted ally.
Salihu Lukman, the outspoken Vice Chairman of North-west, has already opposed the proposed appointment of Ganduje as the Chairman of the party, citing concerns about zoning. Lukman has been vocal in his criticisms of the party’s leadership, and if Ganduje assumes the role, he might inherit a hostile and divided NWC.
Traditionally, the ruling party has allowed the President to pick the National Chairman. This practice has seen former President Muhammadu Buhari selecting candidates like Adams Oshiomhole and Buni for the position. It appears that President Tinubu will continue this tradition and is leaning towards choosing Ganduje as the Chairman, considering the importance of the North-west region for his potential re-election.
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