The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has extended the tenure of the Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Committee tenure has been extended to June 30, 2021.
The NEC also dissolved the all states, zonal and national party structure leaving the Caretaker Committee to take charge of the party structure at all levels.
The emergency meeting was graced by President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, APC governors and leaders of the National Assembly were all physically present for the meeting held at the State House, Abuja while other members of the NEC attended virtually.
According to sources at the meeting, APC governors urged President Buhari not to appear before the National Assembly on Thursday to give stewardship of the fight against insecurity.
There was disquiet when the dissolution of ward, local government and state executive committees by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
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The body expelled former APC National Vice Chairman Hillard Etta for failing to withdraw the suit he instituted to challenge the dissolution of the NEC, led by former Edo State Governor Adam’s Oshiomhole.
These resolutions were disclosed to State House reporters by Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Hope Uzodinma (Imo); and Secretary of the CECPC, Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe, at the NEC meeting in Abuja.
The party also approved waivers for new and intending members of the party, which would make it possible and easy for them to contest for party and elective positions.
It also condemned the call by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the impeachment of President Buhari.
However, Etta rejected his expulsion, saying that the meeting lacked the power to expel him.
Also, the PDP urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ruling party, following the dissolution of its ward, local government, state and zonal structures.
APC NEC Resolutions
Addressing reporters, the governors listed the five NEC resolutions as follows: “Number one, the NEC of the party approved the extension of the tenure of the CECPC, led by His Excellency, governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, which expires on December 26, 2020, for another six months , to terminate on 30th of June, 2021. This is to enable the CECPC to conclude its assignment, as laid before NEC.
“NEC has also donated its powers, as enshrined in Articles 13.3, subsection 5 and 13.3, subsection 6 of the APC Constitution to the Caretaker and Convention Committee.
“NEC has approved the granting of waivers to persons who have recently joined our party and those desirous of joining the party in the nearest future.
“By this, such new members will enjoy all the benefits and privileges accruable by virtue of their membership of the party, so they’ll be able to contest for positions in the party, they’ll be able to contest elections without any requirement for being members for a number of years or period of time.
“The third resolution is that the NEC approved the expulsion of Ntufam Hilliard Etta from the party for flouting the directive of NEC to discontinue all litigations against the party and its members.
“Number four, NEC approved the immediate dissolution of the party organs at the polling unit, ward, local government, state and zonal level, as well as the non-National Working Committee component of the National Executive Committee, as well as their immediate reconstitution and composition of the dissolved excos to serve in their respective offices in a caretaker committee capacity. This excludes the non-NWC members of NEC.
“Finally, the NEC of the party condemns, in very strong terms, the call by the PDP leadership and some of their cheerleaders, for the resignation of Mr. President.
“NEC observed that security challenges, though regrettable, can only be addressed when all interests; civil and military, government and oppositions, security forces and indeed, every citizen collaborate, irrespective of party affiliations. This is not the time to politicise security,” the party said.
Shedding light on the dissolution, Akeredolu said: “The NEC at its meeting approved the dissolution of party organs at the polling units, wards, local government, states and zonal levels as well as the non-NWC members.
El-Rufai said: “As clearly stated, also the composition of the dissolved EXCOs to serve in their respective offices in a caretaker committee capacity until we complete party registration and conduct congresses.”
