Only Buhari can fix date for our National Convention ― APC Governors

Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress have been urged to exercise patience over date for conduct of the national convention of the party.

Governors on the platform of the governing party offered the admonition on Sunday night while speaking with newsmen at the end of their meeting held at the Kebbi state Government Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.

In attendance were twenty governors operating under the aegis of Progressives Governors Forum.

Tribune Online checks revealed the main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party conducted its Convention where new national officers emerged last October.

Certain aggrieved chieftains of the party under the platform, Concerned APC Stakeholders at a media briefing held recently accused the All Progressives Congress Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee led by Yobe state Governor, Mai Mala Buni of plotting its extension, an allegation the Yobe state governor has consistently denied.

Addressing newsmen at the weekend, Kebbi state governor and Chairman of the PGF, Abubakar Atiku Abubakar maintained that the date for the national convention was beyond the governors as he noted that the forum of APC Governors was just one organ of the party.

Governor Bagudu further revealed that the governors took a position to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari whom he noted is the leader of the party and could give direction for when and how the national convention could be conducted.

He said: “We agreed as a forum, to seek an appointment to meet with the President and discuss with him the on-coming national convention of the party.

‘When you are meeting with your party leadership, mind you, we are just one organ of the party and since we are making suggestions to both the party and our party leader, I think it is not fair to preempt or disclose it before the meeting holds.

“We hope to secure that appointment as quickly as possible. Following our meeting with the President, we will disclose what we recommended. ”

Asked further on the likely date for the audience with President Buhari, the Kebbi state governor said,”We are seeking the appointment as soon as possible. As early as possible, maybe in the next few days.”

On the crises trailing outcome of the governing party ward, local and states Congresses, Governor Bagudu described it as a storm in a teacup as he disclosed that the governors passed a vote of confidence in the APCECPC which has three of their colleagues as members.

He further dismissed the threat of internal implosion ahead next general elections.

“I don’t think those expressing such fears are representing reality. This is a party that has not only been able to bring into its fold, three outstanding governors, a deputy governor of Anambra State, members of the National Assembly, distinguished Nigerians from all walks of life.

“And this is the party where the party leadership is humbled to say that to Nigerians, that is not enough. We all are seeking for Nigerians to join us so that we unify and serve Nigerians; while other parties are sending people away, we are despite our strengths, inviting them to join us so that together we reposition and keep the Progressive agenda going.”

In attendance at the meeting were Abdullahi Sule, Yahaya Bello, Babagana Zulum, Bello Maisari, Abubakar Sani Bello, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, Simon Lalong and Dapo Abiodun, governors of Nasarawa, Kogi, Kebbi, Borno, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Ogun states, respectively.

Others were Governor Babatunde Sanwoolu, Hope Uzodimma, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Kayode Fayemi, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Dave Umahi and Bello Muhammad Matawalle, governors of Lagos, Imo, Kano, Ekiti, Jigawa, Ebonyi and Zamfara states. Others are Yobe state governor and Chairman APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Mai Mala Buni; his Cross River State counterpart, Ben Ayade and Gombe State governor, Inuwa Yahaya.

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