Until late afternoon [Monday] when the Ag. Chairman of the Convention Central Working Committee of the APC, Gov. Sani Bello, clarified things, the news trending for the better part of the day in both the mainstream and social media, had been that a coup was staged against the Buni-led interim executive.
The rumours, allegations and innuendo that flew about only confused Nigerians, especially party members who were shocked to learn of the coup that never was. Two separate videos showing the arrival of Gov. Bello at the fortified Secretariat being hailed by some courtiers, and the other showing him inside the conference room surrounded by states party chairman, only further heightened tension among the ‘waring sides.’
There is no beating about the bush on what happened today. The fact is that the drama highlighted what has been going on behind the scenes; that all is not well at the top and there are many who will be happy to see the Buni-led Caretaker removed and they have been vocal about it.
For many however, the “attempted coup” did not come as a surprise. The APC house is obviously devided, and has been, in fact, in such a state as far back as last year when the interim executive first asked for extension of its lifespan the first time. Then came the second and the third.
A lot of party members are also aggrieved with what they alleged as “politicization” of the list of convention organizing sub-commitees.
“The list for each is ridiculously long, just done to accomodate their interests, and you know that too many cooks spoil the broth,” lamented an active member.
The truth of the matter is that the whole saga is about who emerges as the party’s presidential aspirant. It is the reason why the APC is ripping itself apart.
We all know the two candidates from the Southwest that are competing for the lordship of the Villa; one has already started his campaign (open consultation, he calls it), while the other has a number of State Governors rooting to be his vice, working for him or the interest of a colleague they are promoting.
I am sure members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had popped the champagne bottle this morning. Sen. Dino Melaye posted an obituary on the “death of APC” on his Facebook page with the words: “RIP APC: 2014 – 2022. 8 years old. Gone too soon. Announcer – SDM.”
Will the APC be able to get its act together, produce an acceptable chairman on March 26, and subsequently a winning presidential candidate that will succeed President Buhari? May be, if, and only if, the candidates are chosen democratically with the consent of all, if by consensus, or by voting and not imposition.
- Iyawa is Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Mexico
