APC organises 70-member committee for nationwide convention

The Caretaker/National Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is taking into consideration a 60-to-70-member robust convention planning committee, Top Naija has gathered.

Our reporter learnt in Abuja, on Sunday that while the Mai Mala Buni-led CNCPC has been putting final details to the list of party officials to deal with state congresses, it is also searching for a chairman and members of its planned national convention.

A high-level member of the party committee who did not want to be named because he was not allowed to speak to the media on the issue, stated, “The committee is finishing touches to the list of members of the state congresses which we expect them to release within a week or two.

“It is after this has been done that we expect the convention planning list to be made public.

“However, because of the shortage of time, a few things may be tweaked to speed up the process because considering the variables; we really don’t have time on our side.”

In reply to a question on the likely size of the convention committee, the source said, “We are looking at between 60 and 70, in order to accommodate as many of the tendencies within the party as possible.

“Of course, as has been the tradition, serving and former Governors, Senators, members of the House of Reps, serving and former as well as serving and former party leaders will be given the opportunity to serve.

“Exemptions will be made for those who are interested in contesting for any of the positions to avoid a conflict of interest.”

“We are now very interested in how our congresses at the state level are held because it will determine a lot of things. Delegates who will vote at the national convention will be elected from the Ward, Local Government and State levels. This is our procedure.”

Another high ranking member of the party who also did not want to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter stated, “We are aware the opposition, especially the Peoples Democratic Party, is waiting for us.

“The truth is whichever zone we pick our next National Chairman will be a pointer to where our presidential candidate is likely to come from.”

National Secretary of the CENCPC, Senator John Akpanudeoehe, dismissed remarks on the time-table and schedule of activities.

Though, our reporter learnt that the national caretaker committee of the party will be meeting this week to conclude plans.

The committee is likely to present its proposal to President Muhammadu Buhari and the political party before it is made publicly available.