A tense atmosphere enveloped the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as police forces surrounded the premises in anticipation of the swearing-in of newly appointed national working committee (NWC) members, News About Nigeria reports.
The swearing-in which is slated for Thursday, August 24, saw the uniform men in their numbers, visibly prepared and positioned strategically at the Blantyre Street entrance.
Despite the heavy security presence, the atmosphere inside the party’s national secretariat seemed undeterred. Notably, Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello arrived early, further intensifying the tension in the vicinity.
The party has found itself embroiled in a crisis following the announcement of Mary Alile Idele from Edo State as the National Women Leader (South-South Zone).
Idele emerged as the candidate supported by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, contrary to Stella Odey-Ekpo, the choice of Beta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs.
Additionally, the APC revealed Duro Meseko from Kogi State as the new Deputy National Publicity Secretary (North Central Zone), replacing Yakubu Ajaka, who was reportedly recommended by James Faleke, pitting him against Governor Bello’s preferred candidate.
In response to these developments, Edu, the former Women Leader of the party, protested the replacement of her candidate by storming the APC secretariat around 6:20 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, before leaving approximately 45 minutes later.
Governor Bello, on his part, made it clear that he would not depart from the secretariat until the matter was resolved, stating, “This issue must be sorted out today.”
While no comment has been made by any official of the APC as at the time of filing this report, it is hoped that more clarity will be given during the swearing-in proper.
