Following the Court of Appeal’s suspension of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as the National Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC) yesterday, two national officers of the party have emerged as the Acting Chairman.
The first is Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the Deputy National Chairman (South) appointed by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party and the second is Chief Victor Giadom, the Acting National Secretary of the party, who appointed himself, following his interpretation of the court judgement.
Senator Ajimobi was appointed Acting National Chairman by the NWC of the party in line with the provisions of Section 14.2. (iii) of the Party’s constitution.
Declaring himself as the party’s Acting Chairman, he nullified the report of the governorship screening committee that disqualified Governor Godwin Obaseki and put in place machinery to re-screen the governorship aspirants.
Giadom claimed that in a court judgement, he has been validly appointed to act should the court Appellant Court uphold the suspension of Oshiomhole.
Justice S. U. Bature ruled on March 16, 2020 which declared, “ An Interim Order of this honourable court allowing Chief Victor Giadom (present Acting National Secretary) to pilot the affairs of the 4th Defendant as Acting Chairman and to preside at all meeting of the National Executive Committee pending the decision of the National Executive Committee of the 4th defendant fixed for 17 March 2020 or any other subsequent adjourned date pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice”.
“An interim order of this honourable court restraining the 4th defendant and its officers and anyone purporting to act as an officer of the 4th defendant from preventing or in any way disturbing Chief Victor Giadom (present Acting National Secretary) from functioning as the Acting Chairman (unless otherwise decided by the National Executive Committee of the 4th defendant) pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice”, he added.
Accepting and assuming the office on the sick bed in the hospital, Ajimobi, who is said to be battling with COVID-19 and other ailments said that a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC), would be called soon to resolve all contentious issues.
Speaking through his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Bolaji Tunji, Ajimobi stated, “We should therefore let peace continue to reign until we call the NEC meeting and take a position on the way forward”.
In an emergency meeting held on Wednesday June 17, 2020, the NWC of the party affirmed that Ajimobi has been validly appointed as the Acting National Chairman.
In attendance at the meeting are APC National Vice Chairman, South South Hillard Eta; National Secretary Waziri Bulama; National Women leader, Hajia Salamatu Baiwa Umar and National Organising Secretary, Emma Ibediroh.
