The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has made a U-turn on its decision to postpone the National Convention of the party following pressure by stakeholders highlighting the likely implications.
Earlier on Monday, the ruling party had postponed indefinitely the February 26 National Convention and announced March 26 for Zonal Congresses in its letter to INEC.
But a few hours after, however, the party reversed its earlier decision postponing the national convention indefinitely.
The convention will now hold on March 26.
Addressing journalists after a meeting of the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), National Secretary of the party, Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe said: “After deliberation and agreement with the CECPC, we have agreed and approved that the activities for the national convention commence from the 24th of March and terminates on the 26th of March.
“The convention activities commence on the 24th of February and it will terminates at Eagles Square on the 26th of March.
“In between the convention, we have agreed to have zonal congresses.”
The convention was earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 26, 2022.
But in a letter dated Monday February 21, 2022, which the party sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the convention was postponed without a date.
The letter was signed by the Chairman of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Mai Mala Buni, and the Secretary, Senator James Akpanudoedehe.
The letter read: “This notice supersedes our earlier notice for the National Convention referenced APC/NHDQ/INEC/019/22/14. This is predicated on the evaluation of our party Constitution.
“In furtherance to Article 85 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and compliance with Section 12:6 of our Party Constitution, we hereby write to notify the Commission that our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has scheduled to hold its zonal congresses on Saturday 26th March, 2022.
“Kindly arrange for your officials to monitor the exercise accordingly.
“While hoping to receive your cooperation, please accept the assurances of our highest esteem.”
