By Ezeocha Nzeh
Embattled chairman of the Caretaker and Extra Ordinary Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has received the support of his colleagues elected on the party’s platform
The support came Thursday when the APC governors declared that the Wednesday, July 28, 2021 ruling of the supreme court that affirmed the election of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state, by extension validated the Governor Mai Mala Buni led Caretaker and Extra Ordinary Convention Planning Committee of the party
The APC governors in a statement issued Thursday by their chairman, Governor Atiku Abubakar Badaru of Kebbi state, who cited some extractions from the supreme Court ruling to back their claims noted that the judgement which had split decisions did not in any way declare the caretaker committee as illegal, arguing that it howeverupheld the composition of the CECPC as a legal body constituted by the party to manage its affairs n caretakers basis
The governors position however followed the release of the written court judgement on Wednesday by the Court .
Prior to the release of the written judgement, a lot of analysis and interpretations had been made, with some clearly mischievous. The early release of the written judgement had availed the public with the judgement of the court, which settled issues conclusively.
“We thank the Supreme Court for this landmark judgement, which among others have dealt conclusively with legality of the APC Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, its composition and all its decisions. The Supreme Court upheld the finding of the Court of Appeal that the National Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee “was set up to act on behalf of the National Executive Committee to temporarily carry out the function of the National Working Committee until new members were democratically elected.”
“The Supreme Court upheld further the ruling of the Court of Appeal that “it is evident that the said Governor Mai Mala Buni was appointed only in an acting capacity on a temporary basis to temporarily carry out and fill in the seat of the National Chairman of the party pending the elections of new members.” The holding of the Court of Appeal was not appealed against by the appellants i.e. Eyitayo Jegede S.A.N, Gubernatorial Candidate of the PDP in the last election in Ondo state and the Peoples Democratic Party. According to the Supreme Court “by not appealing against this holding, the parties herein accept it as correct, conclusive and binding upon them.”
“The judgement has also settled the legality of the National Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee. The court has correctly ruled that in line with section 13.3 of the APC Constitution, the National Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee was constituted by the National Executive Council of the APC to act as the National Working Committee. This ruling is consistent with the legal advice available to APC in creating the Committee and we commend the Party’s legal team for the proper and lawful guidance.
“Governor Mai Mala Buni was appointed in acting capacity, on a temporary basis to temporarily carryout and fill in the seat of the National Chairman of the party pending the election of new National Chairman. This has settled conclusively that the APC National Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee and its composition is not in conflict with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and is consistent with provisions of the Constitution of the APC,” the governors argued
The APC governors also extended their appreciations to the APC National Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee under the able leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni for the commendable management of the affairs of the party, which has minimise distractions from the task of rebuilding the party. Under the Committee, the Party has continued to be strengthened and attract more Nigerians.
“Most recently, reports of the July 31, 2021, Ward Congresses from all parts of the country has demonstrated once more the commitment of party leaders and members at all levels to the process of rebuilding the APC. The congresses were highly successful. We appeal to all members and supporters at all levels to remain resolute and continue to support all initiatives of the APC Caretaker Committee under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni”
