Tag: CECPC

Gov. Buni remains party’s Acting National Chairman – APC Chieftain

Yobe’s Gov. Mai Mala Buni remains the Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

Alhaji Garba Muhammed, a chieftain of the APC., who made the declaration in Abuja on Saturday, said the party’s leadership remained intact contrary to reports in a section of the media.

Muhammed enjoined party members and the general public to disregard reports making the rounds that President Muhammad Buhari had ordered Buni to resign his position.

He described the report as a blatant lie, saying that those spreading it were lying with the president’s name because of their selfish and political interests and were trampling on the president’ integrity.

“It is just name dropping and should not be regarded. Gov. Buni remains the Acting Chairman, APC CECPC until after the party’s National Convention slated for March 26 to elect new national executives for the party.

“I know the president; he is a democrat; a man of honesty, integrity and fairness and that is why we voted him into power.

“He will never do such a thing without following due process,’’ Muhammed said.

Muhammed recalled that when Adams Oshiomhole was APC’s National Chairman, the president called for the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which he presided over to effect a leadership change when the need arose.

The APC chieftain added that the situation could not have changed now, adding that the party’s Constitution said there must be a NEC meeting to effect a leadership change in the party, and that had not been done.

“As an APC stakeholder, I am not happy with the goings on in the party, but I wouldn’t believe any name-dropping by those who said President Buhari had ordered the removal of Buni.

“I think if there is any directive to that effect, there is a process: the president has spokespersons, and the party has a publicity department from where it speaks to members and the general public,’’ he said.

Muhammed added that there was the need to critically look at issues within the party to make a correct judgment.

He advised party leaders to avoid flippant statements and to lead by example in the interest of its members and the general public.

Corroborating Muhammed’s stand, Mr Ismail Ahmed, National Youth Leader in the APC CECPC had at a recent news conference said that Buni was only on medical leave and would resume soon.

He wondered why it was difficult for some individuals to believe that.

He explained that since the inauguration of the CECPC on June 25, 2020, Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger who now superintends over the party’s affairs had always acted whenever Buni was absent.

“It has always been the case; that has never changed.

“We have a convention coming up on March 26; the chairman wrote a letter to go for medical treatment and delegated power to Gov. Bello.

“These are two emergencies; he has a medical emergency that cannot wait for the convention to hold. We have a convention that cannot wait for him to be healthy, so one has to leave for other,’’ he had said.

Ahmed said Gov. Bello had been acting appropriately and there was no change of leadership in the party as was being speculated, wondering why people were making an issue out of the development.

He added that Bello was acting with the full authority of the APC CECPC and the party’s stakeholders and leaders and with the full consent and knowledge of Buni.

Bello had earlier told newsmen that: “I have been acting for a while since March 7, when the chairman (Buni) travelled”.

March 12, 2022
APC dares INEC, says national convention would hold March 26

In defiance of a letter addressed to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the party has said it would go ahead with its scheduled National Convention.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the APC as saying it has not fallen short of the law in any way with regards to the letter it sent to the INEC to monitor its forthcoming National Convention.

Mr Ismail Ahmed, the National Youth Leader in the APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) said this on Friday in Abuja while speaking with newsmen.

The APC National Convention has been slated for March 26 to elect new national executives to manage the party’s affairs, which is presently being managed by its CECPC.

The INEC in a letter, had rejected an invitation to an emergency meeting of the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) ahead of its national convention.

INEC’s response, dated March 9 and signed by its Secretary, Rose Anthony, was titled: “Re: Invitation to the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee”, and addressed to the National Chairman, APC CECPC.

The commission drew the attention of the APC CECPC to the fact that the letter of invitation was not signed by Gov. Mai Mala Buni, the National Chairman APC CECPC, and its Secretary, Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, in accordance with extant laws.

According to the commission, this is contrary to the provision of Article 1.1.3 of INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Party Operations (2018).

Ahmed, however, said the APC had complied with all the rules and had appropriately notified INEC, adding that it is no longer an issue.

He added that Prof. Tahir Maman, who oversees the party’s legal department would speak on the issue in due time.

“APC national convention would hold on March 26. I’m not only a youth leader, I’m also a lawyer. And we have served a notice to INEC for the 26th of February earlier.

“We served that notice on Feb. 5 and that was the required 21 days. If you are going to make any adjustment to that date all you need is a letter making an adjustment to the date.

“You don’t need another 21 days and that letter was written about two weeks ago, when we realised that we couldn’t hold it on Feb. 26.

“The moment, the CECPC agreed on March 26 as the date for the national convention, that letter was written to INEC. INEC has accepted that letter. So that is long gone; is not an issue,” he explained.

He maintained that the March 26 date for the party’s national convention was not an issue, saying that the date is settled and sacrosanct.

On the current position of Gov. Mai Mala Buni, Ahmed said he was only on medical leave and would resume soon, wondering why it was difficult for some individuals to believe that.

He explained that since the inauguration of the CECPC on June 25, 2020, Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger had always acted whenever Buni was absent.

“It has always been the case, that has never changed, and now we have a convention on March 26, the chairman wrote a letter to go for medical treatment and transmitted power to Bello.

“These are two emergencies, he has a medical emergency that cannot wait for the convention. We have a convention that cannot wait for him to be healthy, so one has to leave for another.

“Gov. Bello has been acting appropriately and there is no problem about that,” Ahmed said, wondering why people are making an issue out of the development.

He added that Bello was acting with the full authority of the APC CECPC and the party’s stakeholders, leaders and with the full consent and knowledge of Buni.

“For now we are doing it with the full authority and backing of the law, so there is no ambiguity in this, absolutely none.

“Power by the chairmanship was transmitted to Gov. Bello and he is fully driving it right now, and we are moving towards convention with the speed that is needed,” Ahmed said.

He added that if anyone had issues with decisions taken by the party on its leadership, he could go to the court.

March 11, 2022
APC crisis: You’re not qualified to organise emergency NEC – INEC tells Bello

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has turned down an invitation to an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee(NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Rejecting the invitation via a letter dated March 9, signed by its Secretary, Rose Anthony, titled, “Re: Invitation to the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee”, and addressed to the National Chairman, APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

INEC drew the attention of the APC CECPC to the fact that the letter of invitation was not signed by Gov. Mai Mala Buni, National Chairman APC CECPC and its Secretary, Sen. John Akpanudoedehe.

This, it said, was contrary to the provision of the Article 1.1.3 of the commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Party Operations (2018).

INEC also reminded those who wrote and signed the letter of the provision in Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.

It said the section required ‘at least 21 days’ notice of any convention, Congress, conference, or meeting convened for the purpose of merger and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any elective office.

It urged the APC to note the key issues raised for compliance.
INEC’s letter read: “Please refer to your letter Ref.APC/NHDQ/INEC/019/022/32, dated 8th March 2022.

“The commission draws your attention to the fact that the notice for the meeting was not signed by the national chairman and national secretary of the CECPC.

“This is contrary to the provision of the Article 1.1.3 of the commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Party Operations (2018).

“Furthermore, the APC is reminded of the provision in Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires ‘at least 21 days’ notice of any convention, congress, conference, or meeting convened for the purpose of ‘merger’.

“And electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any elective office.

“While hoping these issues are noted for compliance, please accept the assurance of the commission’s warm regards,” it said.

March 11, 2022
Just In: Finally, APC fires Akpanudoedehe, picks new National Secretary

The APC Caretaker/Extra Ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) has fired John Akpanudoedehe and replaced him with Prof. Tahir Mamman as the new acting national secretary of the party.

TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls Senator John Akpanudoedehe was ousted alongside Governor Mai Mala Buni.

Born 7 July 1954, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria and politician is a seasoned educational administrator.

He was Director General of the Nigeria Law School from 2005 to 2013.

He hails from Adamawa State and he is a distinguished member of the legal community.

Prof. Mamman is currently a member of the CECPC of APC.

His last official duty before his appointment as national secretary was to chair the APC constitution review committee.

March 10, 2022
APC holds emergency NEC meeting March 17

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed March 17 for an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

This is contained in a notice of meeting signed by Gov. Abubakar Bello, the Acting Chairman of the APC CECPC, Sen. Ken Nnamani (South-East) and Mrs Stella Okotete (National Women Leader).

Others are Sen. Aba Ali (North-West) and Prof. Tahir Mamman (North-East).

The virtual NEC meeting will be held at 11 a.m.

The decision to hold the meeting was taken at the 23rd meeting of the APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) on Tuesday.

The APC National Convention is slated for March 26.

The meeting, they said, is pursuant to Article 25B (i and ii) of the Party Constitution, and by the power vested on the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) via the NEC resolution of Dec. 8, 2020.

March 10, 2022
National Convention: APC CECPC releases approved zoning formula [Full details]

The Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) has finally released the zoning arrangement for the March 26 National Convention.

The party zoned the national chairman to the North-Central while the South West will produce the National Secretary.

The office of the Deputy national chairman goes to South East zone.

In a statement by Director of Publicity of the party, Saliu Na’in a Dambatta, the zoning arrangement was adopted at the March 8, 2022 regular meeting of the CECPC.

Zoning as detailed below:
*NORTH-CENTRAL*: Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau States
1. National Chairman
2. National Vice Chairman (North Central)
3. Deputy National Secretary
4. Deputy National Legal Adviser
5. Deputy National Publicity Secretary
6. Zonal Secretary
7. Zonal Youth Leader
8. Zonal Organising Secretary
9. Zonal Women Leader
10. Zonal Special Leader (Persons with Disabilities – PWD)
11. National Ex – Officio Member

*SOUTH-SOUTH*: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers States
1. National Vice Chairman (South South)
2. National Publicity Secretary
3. National Women Leader
4. Deputy National Treasurer
5. Deputy National Welfare Secretary
6. Zonal Secretary
7. Zonal Youth Leader
8. Zonal Organising Secretary
9. Zonal Women Leader
10. Zonal Special Leader (Persons with Disabilities – PWD)
11. National Ex – Officio Member

*SOUTH – WEST*: Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo States
1. National Secretary
2. National Vice Chairman (South West)
3. National Youth Leader
4. National Physically Challenged Leader
5. Deputy National Auditor
6. Zonal Secretary
7. Zonal Youth Leader
8. Zonal Organising Secretary
9. Zonal Women Leader
10. Zonal Special Leader (Persons with Disabilities – PWD)
11. National Ex – Officio Member

*SOUTH-EAST*: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States
1. Deputy National Chairman (South)
2. National Vice Chairman (South East)
3. National Treasurer
4. National Welfare Secretary
5. Deputy National Organising Secretary
6. Zonal Secretary
7. Zonal Youth Leader
8. Zonal Organising Secretary
9. Zonal Women Leader
10. Zonal Special Leader (Persons with Disabilities – PWD)
11. National Ex – Officio Member

*NORTH – EAST*: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States
1. Deputy National Chairman (North)
2. National Auditor
3. National Vice Chairman (North East)
4. Deputy National Financial Secretary
5. Deputy National Women Leader
6. Zonal Secretary
7. Zonal Youth Leader
8. Zonal Organisig Secretary
9. Zonal Women Leader
10. Zonal Special Leader (Persons with Disabilities – PWD)
11. National Ex – Officio Member

*NORTH -WEST*: Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States
1. National Vice Chairman (North West)
2. National Legal Adviser
3. National Organising Secretary
4. National Financial Secretary
5. Deputy National Youth Leader
6. Zonal Secretary
7. Zonal Youth Leader
8. Zonal Organising Secretary
9. Zonal Women Leader
10. Zonal Special Leader (Persons with Disabilities – PWD)
11. National Ex-Officio Member

Zonal Representatives on the CECPC will coordinate the process in each zone.

March 9, 2022
APC Secretary denies resigning

Sen. John Akpankudohede, National Secretary, All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) has denied resigning from the position.

Akpankudohede said this when he spoke with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja at the party’s national secretariat, saying that he remained the national secretary of the APC CECPC.

“I have read in the social media that I have resigned as secretary of the APC CECPC, I want to state that it is not true. I didn’t resign.

“If I have resigned, you would have seen my letter of resignation written by me. Someone cannot just say somebody is dead when he is alive.

“I am not bigger than the party, or bigger than the president who is a leader of the country.

“I am waiting for the chairman, if we have directives from the president that we should resign, we are not bigger than the president, we will do so, if we hear from him,” Akpankudohede said.

He said that reports indicating that he had resigned his possition as secretary of the APC CECPC were fake news.

Akpankudohede also faulted reports that he had been asked to resign by President Muhammadu Buhari saying it was untrue.

“Someone cannot say the president said. I have not receive any letter from anywhere,” he said.

He said that the CECPC under Gov. Mai Mala Buni had done so much for the APC since it was inaugurated on June 25, 2020.

This,he said, included registering 41 million party members and paying for the party’s national secretariat in Wuse 11, Abuja.

“We have done reconciliation of aggrieved party members, ward, local government and state congresses, and we are about to do the National Convention.

“And you will agree with me that when we came in, this place was like a dead zone, the secretariat was moved to a private house, but we were committed to what we were doing,” he said.

Also speaking Gov. Sani Bello of Niger said that the party would soon release the zoning list for the March 26 national convention, adding that the report on the zoning formula had been adopted by the party’s leadership.

Bello who spoke with newsmen after a closed door meeting with members of the APC CECPC, said he would meet with the committee daily, until the party’s natioal convention.

This, he said, was critical to put things together ahead of the March 26 convention.

“Basically, today we looked at the convention sub-committee and we collected some of the reports from the committee, hoping that tomorrow we will decide on the next step to take.

“Nothing much happened today,” he said.

Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara submitted the zoning formula report to Bello on Monday.

Bello described the zoning system as a representation of fairness and equity in the party.

“The report of the zoning formula has been submitted and adopted and it will be released any moment from now. I mean the zoning formula.

“Hopefully, by next week, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will hold,” Bello said.

March 8, 2022
Buni remains APC CECPC Chairman – Southwest Elders Council

The South-West Elders Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday insisted that Gov. Mala Buni of Yobe remained the Chairman of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the party.

A former House of Representatives member from Oyo, Rep. Lateef Ali, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said that any other person laying claim to Buni’s position was “a usurper, who would be challenged in a court of law.

Ali said, “The All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders’ Council (South-West) is compelled to make its intervention known to the world on the lingering issues in the party.

“We categorically declare that Mai Mala Buni, remains the chairman of the CECPC of the APC.

“Our assertion became imperative to forestall further confusion as to who the chairman of the CECPC is, which requires that we responsibly play our role as elders who must not allow things to go irretrievably bad before speaking out.

“We advise that the circumstances that saw Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger State presiding over a meeting of CECPC must be properly situated and viewed from the right context.

“The facts have been sufficiently proven that Bello only stood in for Buni in the absence of any other senior member of the committee to do so.

“We appeal to APC stakeholders to allow reason to prevail at this very sensitive stage in the months before the general election so that the party does not end up becoming a victim of an “own goal”.

Gov. Bello on Monday denied taking over the leadership of the APC CECPC as speculated by some media organisations.

Bello said this when he spoke with newsmen shortly after heading a meeting of the APC CECPC at the party’s national secretariat.

He said that he met with APC State Chairmen as well as inaugurated some newly elected State Chairmen.

March 8, 2022
BREAKING: APC’s CECPC National Secretary, Akpanudoedehe resigns

National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator John Akpanudoedehe has resigned.

Although reasons for his resignation are still sketchy, it was learnt that his decision to quit was not unconnected with the current power play in the APC, with some governors angling for his removal.

Akpanudoedehe resigned his appointment on Tuesday, a day after Governor Sani Bello of Niger State assumed office as the acting national caretaker committee chairman of the party.

A top party source familiar with the development said Akpanudoedehe has packed out all his belongings from the party’s national secretariat at Blantyre Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

Details shortly…

March 8, 2022
Niger gov, Bello denies taking over APC leadership

Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger has denied taking over the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) as speculated by some media organisations.

Bello said this when he spoke with newsmen shortly after heading a meeting of the APC CECPC at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Monday.

He said that he met with APC State Chairmen as well as inaugurated some newly elected State Chairmen.

“The States Chairmen took their oath of office today and we discussed progress made so far on the forthcoming National Convention and what needs to be done next so that we will achieve the March 26 date for the convention,” he said.

When asked in what capacity he presided over the meetings, Bello said:” I have been acting for a while since the chairman (Buni) traveled”.

The meeting was attended by all members of the committee including the Secretary, Sen. John Akpanudoedrhe, Women representative, Mrs Stella Okotete, Youth Leader, Mr Ismail Ahmed and Mr David Lyon.

Also in attendance were Prof. Tahir Mamman, Sen. Ali Abba, Sen. Ken Nnamani and Sen. Yusuf Yusuf.(

March 7, 2022