Politics

In Letter to Bagudu, Buhari Directs Return to Status Quo Ante in APC

Published

4 years ago

March 17, 2022

Trends Admin

President Muhammadu Buhari

•I hold no grudge against anyone, declares Yobe governor

•President says Buni be allowed to conclude convention plans

• Warns govs to cease fire, stop further acts that can divide party

•CECPC cancels NEC meeting scheduled for today

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, broke his silence over the crisis rocking the national leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and directed immediate return to status quo ante of Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the party which is headed by Mai Mala Buni.

Buhari, who gave this instruction in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, also warned governors of the party to cease fire and stop further acts capable of dividing the party.

This is as Buni has welcomed Buhari’s intervention as the father of the nation and promised to work with all stakeholders, including governors whom he described as his colleagues with whom he shares same goals of a united party with internal democracy.

The Yobe governor, who spoke exclusively to THISDAY as he headed to Abuja, declared that, “I hold no grudges against anyone”, and went on to cancel the emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party earlier fixed for today.

Buhari, in a two-page letter dated March 16, 2022, personally signed and addressed to Bagudu, intervened with straight and strict instructions in the uncertainties currently rocking the APC.

According to the president, the multiplicity of cases currently rocking the party has the prospect of invalidating the activities and actions of the party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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In the letter, which was also copied to the CECPC, the acting CECPC Chairman, Governor Sani Bello of Niger State, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) as well as the Inspector General of Police, the president said the intervention had become necessary since the party could not change the leadership of the CECPC without infringing on the time limit set by INEC, and the fact that the current uncertainties and controversies “pose a real threat to the party.”

He, therefore, directed that the issue of the leadership of the CECPC) should immediately returned to status quo ante.

The president also asked all members of the Governors’ Forum and their followers to desist from any behaviour or utterances that would likely lead to disunity in the ranks of the party, and ultimately jeorpadise the transition to the convention.

According to him, the Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee, should accordingly be allowed to proceed with all necessary preparations to hold the convention as planned, unfailingly on 26th March, 2022.

The two-page letter, conveyed in the president’s official letterhead, read:

“As you are, no doubt aware, the All Progressives Congress, APC, is currently facing a litany of controversies and some level of uncertainties that may ultimately question its status and affect the status and feasibility of its proposed National Convention.

“In addition, it has come to my attention that, because of recent events, the APC is faced with a multiplicity of court cases pending against it in various courts across the country. As a result of this, the party faces the possibility and prospect of the invalidation of all its activities and actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Furthermore, the party has demonstrated its inability to proceed with the issue of effecting change in the leadership of its Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECC), in a way that is inclusive, legal and respectful of the time limit set and required for giving the INEC sufficient notice of the time and venue for holding its convention.

“No doubt, these controversies and uncertainties, as enumerated above, pose a real threat to the party; and may lead to a possible nonrecognition of its activities, elections and the probable invalidation of all its other actions by INEC. This may ultimately even lead its implosion and non-existence.

“There is, therefore, an urgent need for the party to, as much as possible, avoid all controversies, litigations and all other necessary distractions and quickly get its acts together.

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“In view of the foregoing, therefore, I would like now to direct as follows:

“First, the issue of the leadership of the Caretaker Extra Ordinary Convention Committee (CECC), should immediately return to status quo ante;

“Second, all members of the Governors’ Forum and their followers should desist from any behaviour or utterance that will likely lead to disunity in the ranks of the party, and ultimately jeopardise the transition to the convention;

“Third, the Mai Mala Buni-led CECC should, accordingly, be allowed to proceed with all necessary preparations to hold the convention as planned — unfailingly, on 26th March, 2022.

Thank you very much.”

Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement, yesterday, further reaffirmed the position of the president.

Meanwhile, Buni, while speaking on the situation in the party, said as a large political party, there was bound to be disagreement, but that members must rise above personal interests for national interest to work together, adding that the zoning arrangement reached still stood and that he was returning to ensure a smooth and well-planned convention.

“I’m happy that since I travelled out, everything is going on well in the party under the leadership of my good brother, HE Governor Habu of Niger State,” apparently referring the Abubakar Sani Bello by nick name.

He, however, moved swiftly to reassert his leadership over the affairs of the party.

In a terse statement, the National Secretary of the CECPC, whose fate had been unclear since the crisis, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, announced the cancellation of “Purported APC NEC Meeting” scheduled to hold today by Bello.

“As directed by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning (CECPC) and Governor of Yobe State, H.E. Mai Mala Buni, a purported emergency meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), slated for Thursday, March 17, 2022 is hereby cancelled,” the statement stated.

THISDAY

Related Topics:APC Bagudu Buhari Featured Status Quo

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Politics

Mark, Obi, Aregbesola, Kwankwaso Lead Protest at INEC Over Electoral Concerns

Published

1 hour ago

April 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Mark, Obi, Aregbesola, Kwankwaso Lead Protest at INEC Over Electoral Concerns

Abuja — Prominent Nigerian political figures, including David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Wednesday led a large protest to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, calling for greater electoral accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Despite steady rainfall, hundreds—possibly thousands—of demonstrators converged on the electoral body’s headquarters, signalling rising political tension and growing public scrutiny of Nigeria’s electoral process.

The protest began earlier in the day at the Abuja residence of David Mark, where a morning service was held to commemorate his 78th birthday. From there, the political leaders and their supporters marched in an organised procession to the INEC office.

Initially described as a demonstration linked to a faction within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the protest quickly evolved into a broader coalition movement. Participants from multiple political parties and civil society groups joined the rally, transforming it into a cross-party demonstration focused on safeguarding democratic principles and questioning the credibility of the electoral system.

Speaking during the march, a protester, Muyideen Bashiru, highlighted the scale and diversity of the turnout.

“We’re currently heading towards the INEC office. You can see the crowd; there are hundreds, possibly thousands of people gathered,” he said, noting that participants had travelled from different parts of the country.

Observers say the presence of high-profile political figures from different regions and parties underscores increasing alignment among opposition voices and signals heightened political activity ahead of the next general elections.

As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from INEC regarding the protest or the demands raised by the demonstrators.

Mark, Obi, Aregbesola, Kwankwaso Lead Protest at INEC Over Electoral Concerns

Politics

South-East Ex-Governors Back Tinubu’s Re-Election

Published

6 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Trends Admin

South-East Ex-Governors Back Tinubu’s Re-Election

Former governors from Nigeria’s South-East have thrown their weight behind the decision of current governors in the region to support the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the move as a strategic political alignment aimed at advancing regional development.

The endorsement followed a closed-door meeting held in Enugu, where the former leaders also formally unveiled the South-East Former Governors’ Forum, a new platform designed to strengthen collaboration with sitting governors and contribute to national policy discussions.

Speaking after the meeting, the Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State governor, Dave Umahi, said the forum would serve as an advisory and support body, offering guidance on key regional and national issues, including infrastructure, security, and economic development.

South-East Ex-Governors

In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Francis Nwaze, Umahi noted that the forum’s formation reflects a renewed commitment by past leaders to work closely with incumbent governors in promoting the interests of the South-East.

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He said the former governors commended President Tinubu for ongoing infrastructure development projects across Nigeria, as well as for appointing several individuals from the South-East into strategic government positions. They also expressed appreciation for what they described as the President’s continued support for governors in the region.

Umahi added that the ex-governors were unanimous in backing the position already taken by current South-East governors, pledging their full support for Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the forum is open to all former governors from the region regardless of political affiliation and will operate alongside existing structures such as the South-East Governors’ Forum, rather than replacing them.

Those who attended the meeting included former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Sullivan Chime, Martin Elechi, Chris Ngige, and Okezie Ikpeazu.

The development signals a growing political consensus within the South-East, as key stakeholders in the region increasingly align with the federal government. Analysts say the move could reshape political dynamics ahead of the next election cycle, particularly in a region that has historically had diverse political leanings.

While the endorsement underscores unity among former and current leaders, observers note that its broader impact will depend on how it translates into tangible development outcomes and voter sentiment in the coming years.

South-East Ex-Governors Back Tinubu’s Re-Election

Politics

Yusuf Buhari, Son of Late President, Declares for House of Reps Seat

Published

1 day ago

April 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari, son of Nigeria’s late former President Muhammadu Buhari

Yusuf Buhari, Son of Late President, Declares for House of Reps Seat

Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari, son of Nigeria’s late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has officially declared his candidacy for the House of Representatives, aiming to represent the Sandamu/Daura/Mai’Adua federal constituency in Katsina State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform.

The announcement, shared publicly via X by Bashir Ahmad, comes after extensive consultations with local party leaders, elders, and influential stakeholders across the three local government areas in the constituency. Yusuf emphasized that his decision was driven by a commitment to community development, effective representation, and empowerment of local youth.

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In a letter titled “Expression of Interest to Contest for the House of Representatives Seat,” Yusuf Buhari highlighted his intention to focus on infrastructure, education, and human capital development if elected. He also called for the support of residents and party members, urging a collaborative approach to addressing local challenges.

Political analysts note that the Sandamu/Daura/Mai’Adua constituency is a traditional APC stronghold, making the party primary the most critical stage of the election. Yusuf’s entry marks his first major move into active politics, having maintained a low profile during his father’s presidency.

While the announcement has drawn strong attention, some local party stakeholders have stressed the importance of transparent primary elections, warning against endorsing any candidate prematurely. Nonetheless, early meetings reportedly indicate significant grassroots support for Yusuf ahead of the APC primaries.

Yusuf Buhari’s declaration signals the start of a politically active phase for the former president’s son, with observers watching closely how his campaign develops as the 2027 general elections approach.

Yusuf Buhari, Son of Late President, Declares for House of Reps Seat