APC National Convention: Former governor, Minister pick Chairmanship forms

The former governor of Nasarawa State and seating Senator, Abdullahi Adamu and the former governor of Benue State and a Nigerian Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mr. George Akume, who are vying for the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairmanship position, had their supporters pick forms on their behalf.

It was a beehive of activities at the All Progressives Congress, APC National Secretariat following the commencement of sales of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to aspirants contesting elective positions at the National Convention coming March 26.

Mr. Lawrence Unuchukwu, who led the delegation that picked the forms on behalf of a former Gov. Adamu, stated that the governor had the capacity and capability to pilot the party’s affairs.

According to him, Adamu’s past antecedent, especially as a former Chairman of the APC National Reconciliation Committee, stands him out among other aspirants.

He added that the story making the rounds is that the former Nasarawa State governor was the anointed candidate of the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari was a plus for him.

“If that rumour is anything to go by, it boosts us. Mr. President as a man of integrity, I’m sure, will not want to associate himself with someone who can not actualise the vision of this party.

“And you also know that we must not pretend that the party has some challenges, and you need an administrator, a politician, you need a person who can handle the party.

“Everybody has done his best, especially Gov. Mai Mala Buni, Chairman of the APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

“But in life, you will start from somewhere and end somewhere for another person to start from there.

“I can assure you that with Adamu who has seen it all as the next national chairman of the APC, its advancement is guaranteed,” Unuchukwu said.

On the other hand, the Senator representing Benue East Constituency, Senator Barnabas Gemade, who led the delegation for the former Governor/Minister, Mr. Akume, said he would abide with the party if the APC decides on a consensus candidate.

“Whatever the party chooses. The party has the final say. If the party can consummate a consensus exercise for this contest, we agree with it. However, they decide there should be a balloting for this contest we will go with the balloting and whatever the outcome is we will accept,” Gemade said.

The APC fixed its chairmanship forms for N20 million and its National Secretary and Deputy National Chairman South and North forms for N10 million.

The forms for all other National Working Committee (NWC) positions will be sold for N5 million, while forms for all other National Executive Committee (NEC) positions will be sold for N1 million.

Forms for other positions at the zonal level, except for the National Vice Chairmanship, a member of the NWC, would be sold at N500,000.

Forms will be sold to women and people with physical challenges at 50 percent of the prescribed fees.