ABUJA, Nigeria — An atmosphere of palpable tension enveloped the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Thursday, August 24, 2023, as a strong police presence aimed to maintain order ahead of the swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed members of the National Working Committee, NWC.
Despite the increased security, hundreds of protesters remain undeterred outside the party headquarters on Blantyre Street.
Adding fuel to an already tense situation, Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello arrived early this morning, exacerbating frictions within the party over recent appointments.
The immediate issue sparking the unrest was the announcement of Mary Alile Idele from Edo State as the new National Women Leader (South South Zone).
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole backed Idele, while Dr. Stella Odey-Ekpo, the candidate supported by Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Beta Edu, was overlooked.
Further compounding the situation, the party also announced Duro Meseko from Kogi State as the new Deputy National Publicity Secretary (North Central Zone), allegedly on the recommendation of James Faleke rather than Governor Bello’s preferred candidate.
Shortly after these announcements, Beta Edu, the former Woman Leader, appeared at the national secretariat at 6:20 p.m. to protest the appointment decisions.
She departed 45 minutes later, having made her grievances known.
Governor Bello, who arrived at the secretariat in a G-Wagon, spoke to the press about his stance. “This issue must be sorted out today,” he said, clearly determined to push for a resolution.
The situation outside the APC headquarters remains volatile, with protesters defiantly standing their ground despite the police presence.
Vehicular and human traffic around the area has been significantly impacted.
Amidst the political wrangling and street-level protests, questions are being raised about the unity and direction of the APC as it prepares to swear in its new NWC members this afternoon.
The events unfolding today could have far-reaching implications for the party’s cohesion and its ability to govern effectively.
With key figures at odds over these appointments, the APC finds itself at a critical juncture, and how it navigates these internal disputes could set the tone for its future.
