Last-minute push by some party chiefs to shift the All Progressives Congress (APC) convention date has collapsed.
President Muhammadu Buhari staved off pressure from lobbyists, insisting that the February 26 date is sacrosanct.
Following this, the APC caretaker committee wrote a February 2 letter informing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the convention date and to seek its monitoring of the process. But the letter curiously did not indicate the venue of the convention.
An INEC source, who confirmed the receipt of the letter yesterday, said non-indication of the venue did not breach any rule. He added that the party’s letter was within the 21-day timeline required by the Electoral Act for a party to notify the electoral agency of its convention date.
Also yesterday, the party inaugurated 34 of its 36 state chairmen, as well as that of the FCT. Sokoto and Kano chapters were left out.
Caretaker Chairman and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni was absent at the ceremony, which was supervised by Caretaker Secretary John James Akpanudohede.
Buni was at the Presidential Villa to present Senate Deputy Minority Leader Emmanuel Bwacha to the President, having defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
The President, who linked the crises rocking the ruling party to the delay in the conduct of the convention, said the exercise should not be shifted.
A source said: “President Buhari stood his ground by being adamant on February 26 for the convention. He felt the party ought to go beyond its caretaker structure. He is also conscious of the fact that the party must prepare for primaries for the 2023 poll.
“And the tension over the convention in APC has deepened the cracks in the party. He demonstrated a strong will in opposing moves to shift the convention date.
“What guided the President was the unanimous decision of the governors to hold the convention on February 26. The President saw no reason for any postponement again.
“With this, all is set for the national convention of APC.”