mid the leadership crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state has claimed that the ruling party survived a “Civilian Coup” inspired by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state alongside a few others who “lust for power through artificial barricades.”
Akeredolu who also doubles as the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum alleged that his Yobe counterpart, Buni had attempted to supplant the will of majority members of the party and President Muhammadu Buhari.
Earlier this week, the leadership crisis rocking APC took another dimension as Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state declared that he is the acting Chairman of party’s Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee, a position occupied by Buni.
While reports started making rounds that the ruling party had toppled Buni, a statement issued by the party’s CECPC denied reports that Buhari had sacked its Chairman, while asserting that Buni was unavailable to perform his duties as he was out of the country for a medical check-up.
However, Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, clarified on Wednesday that Buhari had approved of the removal of Buni as Chairman of the APC-CECPC.
Reacting in the statement, Akeredolu hailed Buhari over his steps, candour and firm leadership to salvage the party from being wrecked.
The ondo state governor also welcomed the Niger Governor’s leadership, saying himself alongside other governors in the party are fully behind Bello to deliver a credible National Convention for the party.
The statement partly reads, “Without necessarily dwelling on details that are known to critical stakeholders, the path taken lately by Governor Mai Mala Buni, the immediate past head of the CECPC and an indivisible few, is an unenviable trajectory undeserving of our dear party. It is a disdainful narrative.
“Nevertheless, the courage and determination, as well as shrewd sincerity of purpose demonstrated by most of the APC Governors, remain a delight. Significantly, the swift response and prompt action taken by Mr President have, in no small means, salvaged our great party from internal scavengers. We indeed survived a Civilian Coup largely inspired by mischief and incurable lust for power through artificial barricades.
“Succinctly, aside from feeling very delighted as a major stakeholder in the latest successful Rescue Mission, I express my confidence in the ability and capacity of Governor Sanni Bello(ABU LOLO) to take APC through. We, the Governors are for the party except for the few “Yahoo, Yahoo” Governors (apologies to Salihu, former DG of the Progressive Governors’ Forum) who were hand in glove with Buni to circumvent the will of majority of our Party (APC) members. Progressive Governors in the true name, mostly all of us, are determined to see our Party through these patchy parts at all cost.
“None of the scanty number has the guts to carry out their imaginary threats as reported in sponsored stories. We dare them to leave the party. Their short-lived antics in arm-twisting Governor Buni and probably, some pocket filling elements within the corridors of power to supplant the President’s will through fake letters, endorsements as well as ‘Black Market’ injunction (procured since November 2021) are despicable.
“Now that the clear motive aimed at frustrating our national convention has been botched, our dear party is on the track to greatness. Gov Sanni Bello, ABU LOLO, carry on; you have the backing of the majority of us. You shall see our FULL backing come Thursday, 17th March 2022 at the National Executive Committee meeting. But as you know, this is ONLY for the conduct of the NATIONAL CONVENTION.”
