APC NWC divided over nomination of Lawan as consensus candidate

The members of the All Progressives Congress’ National Working Committee (NWC) are currently divided over the nomination of the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, by the APC National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, as the consensus presidential candidate for the party.

It was gathered that Lawan was announced to President Muhammadu Buhari as the APC’s consensus candidate after the NWC members held a meeting on Monday.

The development, it was learnt, has led to a division among the NWC members.

The Star had earlier reported that Buhari charged major stakeholders in the ruling party, to intensify consultation and consensus building towards reducing the number of presidential aspirants.

He said that the reduction will prevent any post-convention acrimonies and also reduce noticeable anxiety among members on the possible outcome of the process.

The ruling party begins its National Convention on Monday, June 6, 2022, in Abuja.

The President said in order to further support the efforts of the party, he has admonished the aspirants to consult among themselves and with the party, so that the objective of the recommendation by the leadership would be actualized.

He spoke on Sunday night at a meeting with members of the National Advisory Council (hitherto known as Board of Trustees) of the APC held at State House, Abuja.

On Saturday, President Buhari said the presidential candidate must be able to lead the APC to a resounding victory in the upcoming presidential polls.

The President said this during his meeting with all the APC 23 presidential aspirants at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Rotimi Amaechi, and others were at the meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, Buhari said he was aware that there is anxiety among party members about the outcome of the presidential primaries.

The President said in the interest of the nation and the party, he would continue to provide effective leadership during the transition processes and on-going consultations, “until we successfully make the choice on the candidate that will fly the flag of our party for the presidential elections and make the party stronger. I seek your support in this all important responsibility.”

The Star