Defection: APC in Diaspora urges leaders, members not to panic
Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole is set to emerge chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) today with the stepping down of his challenger, Chief Clement Ebri, a former governor of Cross River.
The party holds its elective convention in Abuja and the capital city is on lockdown as tight security has been mounted in the city centre especially around Eagle Square area, venue of the convention.
The tenure of the Chief John Odigie Oyegun-led 21-member National Working Committee (NWC) of the party expires on Monday with 17 of them seeking re-election.
They include Deputy National Chairman (North), Sen. Lawal Shuaibu, National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni, National Auditor, George Moghalu, and National Women Leader, Hajiya Aisha Tijjani.
Others are National Organising Secretary, Sen. Osita Izunaso, National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, Deputy National Secretary, Victor Geidam, National Vice Chairman (South-West), Pius Akinyelure, and National Vice Chairman (North-West), Inuwa Abdulkadir.
Also re-contesting are the National Vice Chairman (North-Central), Zakari Abdullahi Ede, National Financial Secretary, Tajudeen Olawutan Bellow, National Vice Chairman (South-East), Emma Eneukwu, National Vice Chairman (South-South), Prince Hilliard Eta, and National Vice Chairman (North-East) Hon. Mustapha.
Former Edo Gov. Adams Oshiomhole remains unopposed for the National Chairmanship position as Chief Clement Ebri, a former governor of Cross River, had withdrawn from the race just like two other contestants earlier did.
However, seven aspirants are contesting for the National Organising Secretary post.
Expectations are that the state governors would meet with some of the aspirants ahead of the convention to explore possibilities of a consensus candidate.
At least 6, 800 delegates are expected from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to elect new national executives of the party at the convention.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) National Convention is scheduled to hold on 23rd June, 2018, at Eagle Square, Abuja, to this end, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris NPM, mni, has directed the implementation of a robust Security Arrangement to ensure a secured and hitch-free convention.
A total number of Five Thousand (5000) Police Personnel comprising, the Police Mobile Force (PMF), the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), the Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD), the Police Mounted Troop, The Dog Section (K9), the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID), The Police Air-wing and the Force Armament Unit have been deployed under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations, to ensure adequate security for all the accredited participants at the convention. Security coverage have been provided also at all the accreditation centres.
In addition, two (2) Police Helicopters, Six (6) Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) are already deployed for the security of the convention. Personnel of other security and safety agencies are also being deployed to complement the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring adequate security and a hitch-free convention.
Only accredited delegates accredited party officials bearing the APC clearance/identification tags will be allowed into the venue. Personnel of all Security and Safety agencies deployed for the security of the convention must also wear the certified identification tag conspicuously at the venue. Only one (1) aide will be allowed to follow their principals into the venue of the convention.
The police warned all unauthorised individual(s) and group(s) who have no business with the convention to steer clear of the venue. The full weight of the law will be applied on any person or group of persons who try to disrupt the orderliness and conduct of the convention.
The Personnel deployed are under strict instruction to be civil, polite but strict and firm in the discharge of their duties during the convention.
There will be diversion of traffic from all the routes to the Eagle Square from Ahmadu Bello Way, Shehu Shagari Way and other Roads leading to the venue of the convention.. Road users and other members of the Public are advised to use alternative routes. The diversion of traffic will take effect from 2200Hrs of 22nd of June, 2018 till the end of the convention.
Any member of the public with complaint or observation on security issue can call the following numbers 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 for immediate response.
