APC makes U-turn, fixes national convention for March 26

After pressures from the stakeholders, the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has made a U-turn in its decision to postpone the National Convention of the party.

Earlier on Monday, the ruling party had postponed indefinitely the February 26 National Convention and announced March 26 for Zonal Congresses in its letter to INEC.

But few hours after, the APC reversed its earlier decision postponing its national convention indefinitely.

The convention will now hold on March 26.

Addressing journalists after a meeting of the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), National Secretary of the party, Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe said: “After deliberation and agreement with the CECPC, we have agreed and approved that the activities of the party’s National Convention will commence on Feb. 24 and terminate on March 26 at Eagle Square with the National Convention.
“In between the convention, we have agreed to have zonal congresses.”
Akpankudohede said that the congresses would hold in line with the timetable and schedule of events released by the party.
“On Thursday, Feb.24, publication of zonal committees. On Saturday, Feb. 26, meeting of zonal stakeholders.
“From Monday, Feb. 28 to Thursday, March 3, sales of forms for zonal positions. On Saturday, March 5, screening of zonal aspirants.
“On Sunday, March 6, Screening Appeal. On Tuesday, March 8, adoption of screening report.
“On Saturday, March 12, Zonal congresses. Monday, March 14, Zonal congresses appeal.
“Wednesday, March 16, adoption of appeal report,” he said.
Akpankudohede added: Monday, Feb. 28, Publication of National Convention Sub-Committees. From Wednesday, March 9 to Friday, March 11, Sales of Forms.
“From Tuesday March 15 to Thursday March 17, screening of aspirants, Saturday, March 19, Screening Appeal. Monday, March 21, adoption of Appeal Report.
“From Thursday, March 24 to Friday, March 25, accreditation. Saturday, March 26, Convention.
“Tuesday, March 29 Convention Appeal. Wednesday, March 30, Adoption of Appeal Report.

“Thursday, March 31, Inauguration,” he said.

The convention was earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 26, 2022.

But in a letter dated Monday February 21, 2022, which the party sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the convention was postponed without a date.

The letter was signed by the Chairman of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Mai Mala Buni, and the Secretary, Senator James Akpanudoedehe.

The letter read: “This notice supersedes our earlier notice for the National Convention referenced APC/NHDQ/INEC/019/22/14. This is predicated on the evaluation of our party Constitution.

“In furtherance to Article 85 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and compliance with Section 12:6 of our Party Constitution, we hereby write to notify the Commission that our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has scheduled to hold its zonal congresses on Saturday 26^th March, 2022.

“Kindly arrange for your officials to monitor the exercise accordingly.

“While hoping to receive your cooperation, please accept the assurances of our highest esteem.”

TheStar