…Buhari approves March 26 date
…North, South to swap offices
By Ezeocha Nzeh
There are strong indications that the new national officers for the much awaited National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge through consensus
This was settled Tuesday as the governors met with President Buhari to sort all grey areas ahead of the party’s national convention, which now has a new date of March 26
The governors who had earlier met on Monday before the meeting with president Buhari disclosed that the president has also approved the new date for the election
Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, told journalist at the end of the meeting that there was division among the ranks of the progressive governors before the meeting, adding however that the meeting with president Buhari has returned all on the same page, Abuja.
The governor, who spoke shortly after the address of the PGF Chairman, Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State, however, said it was a mere disagreement typical of any group and does not constitute a major “division” in the forum.
He revealed that the governors have agreed on March 26 as the convention date and have secured the approval of the President.
On zoning, El-Rufai said Northern zones will take the positions which the Southern zones have occupied in the last eight years, while the South will occupy those vacating by the North
Confirming that the APC next chairman would emerge through consensus,, the PGF chairman, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi state noted that the APC has chosen past chairmen such as Bisi Akande, John Oyegun and Adams Oshiomhole based on consensus adding that it would not be strange to do so this time around.
He also said that Buhari has okayed the March 26 National Convention date and agreed to the current timetable as released by the Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee on Monday.
Bagudu maintained that the governors are united over these matters and will forge ahead with preparations for the March 26 National Convention.
