Ahead of its national convention scheduled to hold in February 2022, it is becoming clearer that the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is rooting for Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, former Borno State governor, as its possible consensus candidate.
A credible source in the party said Sheriff’s ambition enjoys the support of the Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the APC led by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.
Besides Sheriff, other contenders for the chairmanship position are Tanko Al-Makura, George Akume, Kashim Shetimma, Mohammed Sani Musa, Danjuma Goje, Mallam Mustapha Salihu, Isa Yuguda, Abdulaziz Yari and Sunny Moniedafe.
On why the party prefers Sheriff ahead of other aspirants, our source said aside being a two-term Governor and senator, Sheriff’s experience as a former national chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gives him an edge.
” From all indications, the APC does not want a rancorous national convention, therefore it has decided to adopt a consensus candidate for the position of national chairman. Other positions may be contested for but that of the National chairman is always contentious”.
” So far, all the aspirants who have shown interest are well qualified. They are seasoned administrators in their own rights. But I strongly believe that the party leadership is disposed to Senator Ali Modu Sheriff who is from the North- Eastern part of the country in Borno state”.
” Aside being a former governor and senator, his experience as a former national chairman of the PDP gives him a clear edge over others. He will emerge as the consensus candidate”.
When our correspondent contacted the Secretary of the APC Caretaker Committee, Senator John Akpan Udoedehe and put the question to him, he replied ‘ Please text