APC chair Adamu worries over gale of defections
• 46 groups demand removal of Bauchi chairman over defection • Party heading for victory in 2023, Uzodimma insists
NATIONAL Chairman of the All Progressives Congress ( APC), Abdullahi Adamu, yesterday, expressed concern over defections that have hit the party in recent weeks.
At the last count, more than eight senators have dumped the party, including the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders. At the House of Representatives, more than 25 lawmakers have also jumped ship.
Most of the affected lawmakers blamed overbearing influence of state governors who allegedly took over the party’s structure to feather selfish interests.
Speaking to newsmen after a meeting with the APC caucus at the National Assembly, he said: “It is an unfortunate development when it happens. But this is a season for all manner of behaviour in the political space.
“Nigeria is not an exception and APC is not an exception. So, I don’t give a damn what is happening in other parties. I care about what is happening in our party.
“You and I know that it is not just in APC that this thing is happening. But because we are the ruling party, our problems are more prominent, and in public glare.”
He added: “No responsible leader would not worry losing one member, not to talk of two, three. At the moment, we are faced with the stark reality of the problem. But we are committed, with my colleagues in the National Working Committee, to face the problem squarely, to see if the problem is solvable, and solve it by the grace of God.”
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EANWHILE, a coalition of 46 groups in the Bauchi State chapter has blamed growing defections in the state on the leadership style of the chairman, Babayo Aliyu Misau.
In a statement, the leader of the coalition, Sallau Kafi, called on the national leadership, the state Chairman of APC Stakeholders, Malam Adamu Adamu, and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara to suspend Misau within 48 hours “for failure to address the internal crisis rocking the party.”
The coalition alleged that Misau was running affairs of the party as his “personal property and sidelining other executives in decision making.” It said: “The chairman doesn’t follow financial regulations in spending funds received monthly as contributions from major stakeholders.”
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ISAU, however, said although he was aware of the allegations, he was not disturbed by them. He said those who are leaving should “keep leaving” the party.
He said: “If I can bring people when they support me, what would they say about that? My response is that, whatever they say, I can take it to the court. I have seen what they wrote and I’m going to court with it.”
On the call for his sack, Misau said he wouldn’t respond until it happens. According to him, “you can’t respond to an incident that has not happened.” N
EVERTHELESS, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, maintained that APC is already heading for victory in the 2023 general election, given the party’s rancour- free National Special Convention that produced Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as flag bearer.
The governor, who spoke to newsmen at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, amid rousing reception by supporters, said: “APC remains the party to beat in the 2023 general election. The party is heading for victory in 2023.”