A rift has emerged within Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the composition of its Presidential Campaign Council (PCC). The Directors-General of various government agencies and parastatals have expressed concerns over their exclusion from the council. They met with the APC national chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, under the platform of the Forum of Chief Executives of Federal Parastatals. The forum's chairman, Dr. Kazeem Raji, led the group, which emphasized their strategic role in supporting President Bola Tinubu in the last general elections.
The exclusion of the Directors-General from the PCC has sparked a cold war within the party. The group, also known as the Independent Campaign Council, feels sidelined in the composition of the PCC that will drive President Tinubu's campaign for the next presidential election. Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Director-General of the National Institute of Cultural Orientation, noted that the PCC needs a supplementary platform to mobilize support in media management and election management. The forum believes it can offer its expertise to work together with the APC.
Dr. Raji described the forum as a composition of core politicians with grassroots mobilization capacity. He emphasized that although they are technocrats, they are also professional politicians and public sector leaders passionate about Nigeria's development. The forum has promised to deliver 10 million votes to President Tinubu in the next election. This commitment was made during a presentation to Professor Yilwatda, who tasked the forum members to ensure a fresh mandate for President Tinubu to justify their appointments.
Professor Yilwatda urged the forum members to communicate President Tinubu's achievements to Nigerians. He emphasized that as implementers of government programs, they have a responsibility to bridge the information gap between the government and the people. The APC chairman noted that every appointee must ensure the party's victory in the next election, as their opportunity to serve is a privilege that must be justified through service, performance, and loyalty.
The forum's offer to support the APC PCC comes as the party prepares for the next presidential election. The group believes it can play a crucial role in mobilizing support and ensuring the party's victory. With 10 million votes promised, the forum's contribution could significantly impact the election outcome. However, the extent of their involvement remains to be seen, as the APC PCC composition continues to be a subject of contention.
The internal conflict within the APC highlights the challenges parties face in managing their internal affairs. The exclusion of key stakeholders, such as the Directors-General, can create divisions that may affect the party's performance in elections. As the party prepares for the next presidential election, resolving such conflicts will be crucial to ensuring a united front and maximizing its chances of success.
The APC PCC controversy comes at a time when the party is seeking to consolidate its position ahead of future elections. With President Tinubu's administration focusing on various initiatives to improve the country's socio-economic landscape, the party's ability to present a united front will be critical in communicating its achievements and vision to Nigerians.
Key points
- Directors-General of government agencies express concerns over their exclusion from the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
- The Forum of Chief Executives of Federal Parastatals promises to deliver 10 million votes to President Tinubu.
- APC national chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda tasks forum members to ensure a fresh mandate for President Tinubu.
