Ganduje, Bello reach compromise on Kogi NWC nomination crisis

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, and Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, have settled their differences over the selection of candidates from Kogi State to fill a vacant position assigned to it within the National Working Committee (NWC).

The disagreement arose after the National Secretary of the party, Ajibola Basiru, unveiled the approved list of candidates for the six open positions in the NWC.

These vacancies arose due to the resignation of three members, the appointment of two to ministerial positions, and the passing of the former National Welfare Secretary, Friday Nwosu, in March this year.

It’s worth noting that Bello and the state party leadership had opposed the nomination of Hon. Duro Meseko as Deputy National Publicity Secretary and Hon. Ikani Okolo as Zonal Organising Secretary (North Central).

In addition to the Kogi issue, Edo and Abia were also in disagreement over the National Women leader position.

However, a resolution was reached on Thursday, as Governor Bello and Cross River State stakeholders prevented the planned inauguration of the new NWC members. Bello eventually reached a compromise with Ganduje around midnight.

“After numerous negotiations and consultations with other stakeholders, and in the interest of peace, Governor Bello will nominate a replacement for Hon. Ikani Shuaibu Okolo, who was earlier nominated as Zonal Organising Secretary (North Central). Additionally, Hon. Duro Meseko’s nomination as Deputy National Publicity Secretary remains unchanged.”

This decision was communicated to the party’s National Leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following Jumat prayers on Friday. A new inauguration date for the six officers will be announced after a meeting at the Villa.

Meanwhile, the Abia APC caucus and stakeholders have expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s process for replacing the late Nwosu as National Welfare Secretary and Abia’s representative in the NWC.

Senator Chris Adighije, speaking on behalf of the Abia caucus, urged the National Chairman and NWC to reconsider their earlier decision, emphasizing that the party’s constitution clearly designates the State Executive Committee to nominate replacements in case of vacancies.

The officially recognized Abia State chapter of the APC also rejected the imposition of a new National Welfare Secretary, stating that it violates the party’s constitution. They maintained that Obinna Atuonwu remains the duly nominated National Welfare Secretary from Abia State.