As the 26th March 2022 national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) fast approaches, the party has witnessed another twist in its preparation. This time, it’s the return of its interim national secretary, Senator John Akpanudoedehe.
The Secretary of the party’s Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee had reported resigned following the recent takeover of the structure by the Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello, a member of the committee who assumed the responsibility of the Chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.
In the absence of Governor Buni, who is reportedly out of the country, many governors of the party backed their colleague from Niger State to take charge of the party,
But the plot to have Governor Sani-Bello installed as caretaker chairman was truncated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which cited the relevant laws to back its recognition of Governor Buni.
On Tuesday, Akpanudoedehe emerged at the Wuse 2 headquarters of the APC amid tight security and jubilation among the party staff.
Having been reaffirmed as the party’s interim secretary, Akpanudoedehe got back to work escorted by four AK-47 wielding policemen.
Many of the APC staff members were seen clapping and dramatic celebrating the turn of event.
The APC has been enmeshed in a crisis in the last two years, which led to the removal of former Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in 2020.
Although things simmered down for some months, the crisis sprang up again after the local government and state congresses were conducted, leading to the emergence of factions in at least 13 states.
Also, at least 208 court cases have thwarted peace moves while its national convention has been postponed four times since December 2020.
Sale of forms for party office is yet to commence.
