The North Central APC Elders Forum has expressed confidence that the recent dissolution and reconstitution of the Caretaker Committee in Benue State has successfully restored peace within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and improved governance in the state.
This development follows the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, led by the party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, to sack the former leader of the party in Benue, Augustine Agada, and the State Working Committee.
On Wednesday, the NWC officially announced the removal of Agada, disregarding a restraining order from a Benue State High Court that sought to prevent the dissolution of the Agada-led executive.
In his announcement at the party’s National Secretariat, Ganduje inaugurated a seven-member Caretaker Committee that will oversee party affairs in Benue for the next six months.
This move was intended to stabilise the party’s leadership in the state, which had been marred by internal conflicts and legal battles.
Senator Ameh Ebute, Chairman of the North Central APC Elders Forum and former President of the Senate, released a statement on Monday commending the steps taken by the NWC.
He also lauded the efforts of Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, for his instrumental role in mediating and restoring peace within the APC in the North Central region.
According to Ebute, Governor Sule’s recent courtesy visit to Chairman Ganduje in Abuja was a strategic and timely intervention aimed at safeguarding the interests of the North Central geopolitical zone within the party.
“The dissolution and constitution of the Caretaker Committee in Benue have restored peace to both the party and governance in the state,” said Senator Ebute.
He highlighted that the efforts to stabilise the party’s structure in Benue were crucial for maintaining unity and fostering better governance in the state.
The Forum further praised Governor Sule for leading the charge in repositioning the APC for enhanced performance across the North Central region.
Governor Sule’s visit was seen as a move to bolster the influence of the North Central zone within the national party structure and to ensure that the voices of the elders and leaders from the region are considered in key decision-making processes.
The North Central APC Elders Forum believes that such initiatives are vital for the continued success and unity of the APC in the region.
The Forum also expressed its appreciation for the Ganduje-led NWC’s initiatives, particularly the establishment of the National Progressives Institute.
This institute is intended to serve as a think-tank and training centre for party members, aiming to enhance the capacity and ideological grounding of the APC’s leadership and membership.
The Elders Forum, however, emphasised the need for the inclusion of representatives from the North Central zone in the leadership of the institute.
They argued that this would ensure equitable representation and involvement of all zones in the strategic planning and execution of the party’s vision and programmes.
“We are happy that Governor Sule is leading the North Central geopolitical zone to reposition the party for maximum performance,” the Forum stated.
They underscored the importance of strategic leadership and collaboration among the North Central states to strengthen the APC’s influence and effectiveness in the region.
The reconstitution of the Benue State Caretaker Committee comes at a critical time when the APC is striving to address internal disputes and improve its governance records ahead of future elections.
By re-establishing a unified and functional leadership structure in Benue, the party aims to consolidate its position and work towards achieving its political objectives both at the state and national levels.
The North Central APC Elders Forum’s endorsement of the changes in Benue is a significant boost to the party’s efforts to heal divisions and enhance its operational efficiency.
Their call for continued collaboration and inclusion of the North Central zone in national party initiatives reflects the broader goals of ensuring balanced representation and effective governance across all regions.
As the newly constituted Caretaker Committee begins its mandate, the focus will be on fostering unity, driving development, and preparing the APC in Benue for upcoming political challenges.
The Forum’s support and the proactive measures by leaders like Governor Sule indicate a concerted effort to navigate the complexities of party politics in Nigeria, prioritising stability, and governance for the benefit of the state and the nation at large.
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