Barring any unforeseen changes, the APC is expected to begin the sale of forms on Monday (today). Top sources told The PUNCH that the North-Central would most likely be favoured by the party to produce the party’s chairman while the South-East would most likely produce the national secretary, which is one of the most powerful positions in the party.
However, the party would not be expected to announce its zoning arrangement but would communicate it within its top hierarchy and ensure that it is followed.
“In theory, the APC does not zone its offices the way the PDP does. But in practical terms, the party does it in a systematic manner. It is unlikely that they will announce the zoning arrangement publicly,” said an aide to one of the governors who wished to remain anonymous.
Also, it was learnt that the APC leadership would be considering the consensus option. Once the President’s preferred choice is identified, other organs of the party would be expected to adopt that person as the consensus candidate while others would be cajoled to step down.
“The APC prefers the option of consensus. That is what the President also prefers. It is usually not rancorous. However, as of yesterday, no one had reached out to any of the aspirants yet. So, the governors’ meeting will be pivotal in determining who emerges as the chairman even though the President will have the final say,” the governor’s aide added.
The party has been enmeshed in crisis for the last two years which culminated in the ouster of its chairman, Oshiomhole.
The Oshiomhole leadership was replaced by a caretaker committee led by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni. The committee, which had six months to organise a new convention, continued to seek extensions and has now remained in office for 20 months.
Although the Buni-led committee was able to cause the defection of three governors from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC, the crisis in the states continued to deepen.
The crisis reached a climax late last year during the congresses that were conducted in order to elect ward, local government and state executives of the party. In at least 13 states, two or more factions emerged with one being loyal to a governor on the other hand and a minister or senator on the other hand.
Except in Kano State where Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has not been able to have his way, all other 21 governors were able to install their preferred candidates.
Copyright PUNCH.