Kogi state chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress, has rejected in its entities, the alleged replacement of the resigned former Deputy National Publicity Secretary, and the former Zonal Organising Secretary of the party, by the Abdullahi Ganduje ‘s-led National Working Committee.
Kogi APC in a statement signed by its Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Bello on Thursday, noted that the names of the replaced party officials being circulated did not emanate from the State Chapter of the party, noting that it is a clear contravention of the APC constitution by known agents of destabilization.
Hon. Bello stated that, consequent upon the resignation of the two officers from the party, the Kogi State APC under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello, had earlier met to approve and forward names of replacements for the two officers that left the party.
The statement read partly:
“The State Chapter ratified Hon. Yahaya Ade Ismail as the new Deputy National Publicity Secretary and Hon. Isiaka Musa as the Zonal Organising Secretary for North Central. And in line with the provisions of our constitution, communicated the ratified replacements to the National Working Committee, through the North Central Zonal Chairman of the Party.
“To our dismay, the National Working Committee came up with strange names which didn’t pass through the State Chapter nor the North Central Zone of the party and purportedly went ahead to ratify them, citing ‘Presidency interest’ as the rationale for their action.
“We strongly reject the action as we will not be parties to the blatant and flagrant violation of our party’s constitution.
“Our belief in Mr President as a man who respects the Constitution of our party and a man who believes in due process is unshaken in the face of the current confusion foisted on the party by people dropping the name of the President to achieve their selfish aims.”
Hon. Bello however called on the National Working Committee of the APC, to reverse the unconstitutional replacements done on their behalf without ratification or approval, warning the NWC to revert to their ratified list as they occupy those offices on behalf of the State Chapters.
“We have delivered Kogi State to the APC and the least we expect is for the party hierarchy to continue to support us to achieve greater heights.
“The Kogi State Chapter of the APC therefore rejects the decision of the National Working Committee in its entirety and urges it to follow the constitution of our party and the due process our party is known for.
“We are confident that the interest of the party is for Kogi State to remain a stronghold of the APC, especially now that we march towards November 11 to retain the State,” the statement added.