Politics
How Adamu’s Tenure Ended Abruptly As APC Nat’l Chairman
Senator Abdullahi Adamu was asked to resign as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday after a prolonged cold war with President Bola Tinubu, it has been gathered.
The APC chairman was advised to throw in the towel by Hope Uzodinma, the governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF).
Iyiola Omisore, the APC National Secretary, allegedly became incommunicado upon getting wind of the development.
Party sources told The Tide source that Adamu and Omisore were to face a vote of no confidence by NWC members on Monday afternoon following which they would be sacked by the National Executive Committee (NEC), chaired by Tinubu, on Wednesday.
There has been a cold war between Tinubu and Adamu since the former governor of Nasarawa State was elected party chairman in March 2022.
But the “final straw”, according to insiders, was Adamu’s failure to account for the N32 billion raised by the party from the sale of forms for the 2023 general elections.
“Only N7 billion is left in the account as we speak,” an NWC member told our source.
“Adamu and Omisore claimed the account has been audited, but we are not aware of when the auditors were appointed. How can NWC not be aware of the appointment? It is part of our responsibilities to appoint auditors”, the NWC member added.
Sensing the move to remove him, Adamu had reportedly sought the support of the chairmen of the state chapters of the party but received a cold shoulder.
“By the APC constitution, the proceeds were supposed to be shared with the zonal, state and ward levels of the party, and they were not in the know. So there was no way they were going to support him,” another party insider told The Tide source.
Before the N32 billion question became a bone of contention, Adamu’s exit appeared imminent.
While Tinubu supported Tanko Al Makura, also a former governor of Nasarawa State, for the position of national chairman, party leaders loyal to former President Muhammadu Buhari rooted for Adamu.
This was thought to be the first move to stop Tinubu from winning the party’s presidential ticket.
Ahead of the APC presidential primary in June 2022, Tinubu complained bitterly that he was being betrayed despite the fact that a gentleman’s agreement was sealed in 2015 for him to succeed Buhari.
His outburst, popularly known as “emi l’okan” (“it’s my turn”), enraged Adamu who threatened that the party would “discipline” him.
In the week of the primary, Adamu informed NWC members that Ahmad Lawan, then senate president, was Buhari’s preferred presidential candidate.
The move was met with protests and condemnation from some quarters, but he stood his ground.
Lawan, a latecomer to the race, polled 152 votes against Tinubu’s 1271.
Tinubu would go on to lose the presidential election in Nasarawa State, where Adamu was governor from 1999 to 2007.
“It was inevitable that Adamu would bite the dust,” the NWC member told our source.
“When the 10th national assembly was about to be inaugurated, it was the APC leadership that was supposed to work behind the scene for the leadership election. Adamu and Omisore were aloof. In fact, it was a known fact that Adamu was supporting Abdulaziz Yari.
“As if that was not enough, when the committee positions were announced, Adamu openly dissociated himself from the list. He had it coming.”
It is understood that when the issue of the N32 billion was presented to Tinubu, he gave the go-ahead for the party to remove him “legally”.
Uzodinma approached Adamu on Sunday and asked him to do the “needful” but he was unable to reach Omisore.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed a fire incident at its office in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a post on its official X handle, yesterday, the Commission stated that about 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, and other items were destroyed by the inferno.
According to the post, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Delta State, Mr. Etekamba Udo Umoren, confirmed the incident in a report.
The report explained that the incident occurred on Monday afternoon due to a sudden power surge following the restoration of the public power supply.
“The store’s section where petrol generators and other items were kept was completely razed.
“Items destroyed in the inferno include 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric power generators, 140 stamps, 50 ballot box seals and assorted items such as envelopes, posters, forms and booklets.
“Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities. The incident has been reported to the security agencies and emergency services for a thorough investigation.
“The Commission appreciates the cooperation of the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their response,” INEC stated.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has impeached Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker.
Rt Hon. Obasa, who is serving his third term as Speaker, was removed from his position over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
The 52-year-old lawmaker, who represents Agege State Constituency I, became Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015.
Rt Hon. Mojisola Meranda, the Deputy Speaker, was subsequently elected to lead the House.
Rt Hon. Meranda, who took her oath of office immediately, would serve as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State legislature.
Speaking to journalists after Rt Hon. Obasa’s impeachment last Monday, a member of the House said the decision was unanimous.
The legislator also confirmed that all principal positions and standing committees in the Assembly have been dissolved
“It is just a change of baton. It is only death that is constant. Change is inevitable,” the member said.
“The members of the parliament, today, have decided to change the leadership of the House. And the constitution makes it clear that the House has the power to regulate its proceedings.
“So, members of the House felt we have had enough of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; and today, we have unanimously agreed that Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda becomes the Speaker.
“It was a resolution concurred to by all members of the parliament and so be it. Honourable Fatai Adebola is Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly.
“And as we speak, all the principal positions have been dissolved. All standing committees stand dissolved”, he added.
In 2023, the Assembly faced public backlash after rejecting 17 out of 39 commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
At the time, Rt Hon. Obasa denied any rift with the governor, although the issue prompted a meeting with the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos.
More recently, the Rt Hon. Obasa-led Assembly proposed a bill to restructure local governance in the state.
The bill sought to replace the existing 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) created in 2003 by Bola Tinubu, former governor of the state, with democratically elected local governments, recognising only 20 LGAs as outlined in the 1999 Constitution.
However, in a statement seen as a counter, Cornelius Ojelabi, the APC chairman in Lagos State, insisted that elections would still hold in the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs in 2025.
Rt Hon. Obasa was impeached following a motion moved under the Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Femi Saheed.
Hon. Saheed, in line with provision of section 92(2) (C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, accused Rt Hon. Obasa of gross misconduct and poor leadership, which included perpetual lateness to legislative sessions and meetings; high handedness and lack of regard for members; gross abuse of office and privileges; intimidation and oppression of members by inciting them against one another, amongst others.
He mentioned that Rt Hon. Obasa also practised an authoritarian and undemocratic leadership style in discharging his duties.
He, therefore, moved the motion for impeachment.
Following the adoption of the motion, the impeachment was made by the 32 members through a voice vote.
Subsequently, Rt Hon. Meranda emerged as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, while Fatai Mojeed emerged as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.
In a related development, the House also suspended the Clerk of the Assembly, Olalekan Onafeko. He was replaced with Mr. Abubakar Ottun as Acting Clerk of the House.
Later, Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, while speaking with newsmen on behalf of the lawmakers, explained why the members changed the leadership of the House.
According to him, “The Lagos State House of Assembly has declared its decision to impeach Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers.
“The lawmakers agreed to take this step to safeguard our image and Lagos State. Change is inevitable, and we felt it was time for a new direction.
“All standing committees and principal officer positions have been dissolved. We are determined to work together to elevate the Assembly and deliver on our responsibilities to Lagosians.”
He explained that the Constitution empowers the Assembly to regulate its proceedings, and members reached a consensus to end Obasa’s tenure.
The lawmakers assured the public of their commitment to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.
-
Niger Delta9 hours ago
Yenagoa Becoming Modern City Under Our Stewardship – Diri
-
News7 hours ago
Monarch Assures Government, Residents Of Continuous Peace In Woji
-
News13 hours ago
We Need Additional N20bn To Pay Families Of Deceased Military Personnel -Minister
-
Politics9 hours ago
Good Governance: Clark Urges NGF Suspension
-
Business10 hours ago
Azman Airline Dismisses Aircraft Sale Alegations
-
Sports7 hours ago
NNL Fines Sporting Supreme, Kada Warriors FCs Over Unruly Conduct
-
Niger Delta9 hours agoMOSIEND Hails RSG Over Asari’s Chieftaincy Recognition
-
News7 hours agoAFRD: Let’s Celebrate Gallantry Of Soldiers More While Alive Than In Death -Fubara …As Rivers Honours Fallen Heroes, Members Of Armed Forces With Thanksgiving