Dr Salihu Lukman, the immediate past Director-General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), has declared that there is no crisis in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) but mere internal contest.
Lukeman also accused the Buni-led Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of repeatedly disregarding agreed dates for the national convention, insisting that the February 26 date must be honoured; else, the CECPC must step down.
Lukman, who made the call in a statement he signed on Sunday said: “Is APC in crisis? It depends on what you call a crisis. It depends! APC is not in crisis. We are having an internal contest. The contest is no doubt very sharp.
“Some people don’t want the contest to be resolved. And my position is simple. So long as due process is going to be followed, this contest will be resolved in favour of the emergence of new leadership.”
Continuing, Lukman said: “What we need is a party that can meet, make decisions, and let leaders be honest to implement decisions. This is lacking.
“This is the problem the caretaker committee has created. Decisions have been taken. First, a convention was to take place on December 28, 2021. As of November, no preparations happened.
“Consultations took place. A new decision was taken on February 5. Nothing happened! Now, there is a decision for February 26. A few days ago, forms were supposed to be sold. They said forms could not be sold on zoning issues that have been resolved.
“Who is responsible for sorting out zoning? Is it Buhari? Why do we have the leadership of the party? If Buhari is supposed to be involved, we don’t need a Secretariat. The CECPC is to facilitates every decision. Today committees have not been announced.
“As far as I’m concerned, between now and February 26, this must be resolved. And this caretaker committee must go. That is my position.”
While accusing the People’s Democratic Party for giving an unrealistic view of the Buhari-led regime, the former PGF DG blamed the Buni-led committee for failing to mobilise party stakeholders and members to front the right narrative.
“Looking at all the evidence of the economy, poverty, and challenges of insecurity, PDP is only able to speak out and make all the wild goose allegations of failure against the APC led government of the President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) because APC leaders decided to mute themselves at a time when they should be mobilising Nigerians to review progress and challenges of delivering on campaign promises made since 2015.
“Instead of taking steps to mobilise Nigerians to review progress and challenges as part of preparations for 2023, APC leaders and members are being held captive by Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee,” he said.
