Ganduje swears in Meseko, five other NWC officers amid protest

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has  officially sworn in six new officers into its ranks, despite facing strong opposition from the party’s state chapters in Kogi, Abia, and Cross River states.

Led by the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the hour-long inauguration took place at the party’s national headquarters on Friday around 8:45 pm.

This move comes following protests from key figures such as Yahaya Bello, the discontented Governor of Kogi State; a former Senator representing Cross River South District; and the Abia APC, who criticized the appointment process, claiming it deviated from their submitted nominee names.

Yahaya Bello objected to the selection of Duro Meseko over Yahaya Ismail for the Deputy National Publicity Secretary position. Additionally, Adolphus Ogar and Ita-Giwa of the Cross River APC called for Dr. Stella Odey-Ekpo to be appointed as the National Women Leader.

In Abia, the APC Caucus raised concerns about the appointment of Donatus Nwankpa as the National Welfare Secretary, asserting that he was not their preferred candidate.

However, following a prolonged meeting with the dissenting parties at his residence on Thursday, Ganduje proceeded with the inauguration ceremony on Friday night. A Notary Public named Mustapha Abubakar administered the oaths of office and allegiance to the new NWC members.

The recently sworn-in officers include Ali Bukar Dalori (Borno State) as Deputy National Chairman for the North, Garba Datti Muhammad (Kaduna) as National Vice Chairman for the North-West, Prof. AbdulKarim Abubakar Kana (Nasarawa) as National Legal Adviser, Donatus Nwankpa (Abia) as National Welfare Secretary, Mary Alile Idele, PhD (Edo) as National Woman Leader, and Duro Meseko (Kogi) as Deputy National Publicity Secretary.

Notably, Yahaya Bello’s two nominees, Ikani Shuaibu Okolo and Ismail Yahaya, were excluded from the appointments.

After administering the oath of office, Ganduje appealed for unity among APC members and supporters, acknowledging the grievances expressed by Kogi, Abia, and Cross River states. He assured that the dropped candidates would be considered for other roles in the interest of fairness.

Ganduje also announced plans to establish individual campaign councils ahead of governorship elections scheduled for November 11 in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and inclusivity within the party, expressing a commitment to maintaining active party offices year-round. The launch of National Campaign Councils for the aforementioned states will take place in their respective capitals to facilitate engagement with stakeholders.