APC’s NWC Swears in New Members Amid Protests from Party Chapters

In a move that sparked protests from the Kogi, Abia, and Cross River state chapters of the party, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, inaugurated six additional members into its fold on Friday night.

The swearing-in ceremony, which was previously attempted on Thursday night, faced opposition from stakeholders including Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. However, despite the protests, the officials were officially sworn in during the Friday night event.

The newly sworn-in officials include:

• Ali Bukar Dalori (Borno State) – Deputy National Chairman, North
• Garba Datti Muhammad (Kaduna State) – National Vice Chairman, North West
• Prof. Abdul Karim Abubakar Kana (Nasarawa State) – National Legal Adviser
• Donatus Nwankpa (Abia State) – National Welfare Secretary
• Mary Alile Idele, PhD (Edo State) – National Woman Leader
• Duro Meseko (Kogi State) – Deputy National Publicity Secretary

However, an earlier nominee for the North Central Zonal Organizing Secretary, Ikani Shuaibu Okolo from Kogi state, was dropped to appease Gov. Yahaya Bello. In exchange, Bello’s nominee for the office of Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ismail Yahaya, was also dropped.

Dr. Ganduje acknowledged the concerns raised by Gov. Yahaya Bello and assured that Bello would be put forward for other appointments. He further stated that those who lost out in Abia and Cross River states would also be considered for appointments as a means of addressing grievances.

Dr. Ganduje emphasized the APC’s commitment to preparing for the upcoming off-season governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states. He announced that the party would inaugurate its National Campaign Councils for these elections in the respective state capitals, in order to connect with grassroots stakeholders.

During the event, Dr. Ganduje highlighted the party’s efforts to streamline its operations and maintain a year-round presence, with functional offices at the ward, local government, state, zonal, and national levels. He acknowledged the competence of the newly appointed officials and their selection through due process.

The oaths of allegiance and office were administered to the new officials by Barr. Mustapha Abubakar, a Notary Public. Dr. Ganduje concluded by affirming the party’s commitment to dialogue and the inclusion of differing perspectives, emphasizing that while not everyone must agree, open communication and collaboration are integral to the party’s ethos.