Former National Vice Chairman (North West) of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Salihu Lukman, has insisted that moves to instal former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, as National Chairman of the party is in clear breach of the party’s constitution.
Lukman also argued that there are moral issues regarding the appointment of Ganduje as the chairman.
Accusing the Governor Hope Uzodimma-led Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) as the mastermind of the alleged infractions, he urged President Bola Tinubu to distance himself from the plot to instal Ganduje as chairman.
Lukman, in a statement after resigning his position in protest against the development, noted: “We should publicly state both the legal and moral questions. The legal question is straightforward. Article 31.5(i) of the APC constitution, dealing with what to do when there is vacancy, clearly stipulates that ‘in the case of a National/Zonal Officer, the State Executive Committee shall propose a replacement to the State Congress and Zonal Executive Committee for endorsement.
Thereafter, the name shall be sent to the National Working Committee (NWC), which shall forward the same to the National Executive Committee (NEC) for approval.’ No section of the APC constitution gives anyone, including the President, power to act in a contrary way.
“Therefore, if this provision of the APC constitution is to be respected, the Nasarawa State Executive Committee of the APC, which is where Abdullahi Adamu comes from, should have the right to propose replacement, which should be endorsed by the State Congress and the Zonal Executive Committee. Afterwards, the name shall be forwarded to the NWC for onward transmission to NEC and approval.”
He urged Tinubu not to be associated with any decision that smacks of illegality or immorality, let alone being unjust to any section of Nigeria.
“If Osun State is debating the possible replacement of Iyiola Omisore for the position of National Secretary of APC, in line with provisions of our party’s constitution, why is Nasarawa’s case not treated the same way? Why the double standards?” he said.
