Politics

Aggrieved APC members drag party, Buni to court over ‘illegal’ caretaker committee

Published

5 years ago

August 20, 2021

At least 100 aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, have sued the Party, and its Caretaker Committee Chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni, seeking dissolution of the 13-member committee and nullification of all their actions.

Also listed as co-defendant in the originating summon registered as Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/938/2021, are the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and others.

The motion for interlocutory injunction was filed by their lawyer, Mr Samuel E. Irabor at the Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday, 18th August, 2021.

The plaintiffs argued that the APC Caretaker Committee should be dissolved on the following grounds:

1. That the 13 members Caretaker Committee falls short of the constitutionally required 24 members spread across not less than two-third of the 36 States and the FCT for any governing body of a political party, whether substantive or acting, as stipulated under Section 223(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as altered).

2. That the headship of the Caretaker Committee by a sitting Governor holding dual executive offices is prohibited by Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 17(4) of the APC Constitution, 2014 (as amended)

3. That by Article 13(4)(xvi) of the APC Constitution, 2014 (as amended) only the National Working Committee rather than the NEC of the party can constitute a Caretaker Committee in whatever form, nature or guise.

4. That the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, who administered oath of office on Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State as purported Caretaker Chairman lacks the powers to do so under any provision of the APC Constitution, 2014 (as amended) as he is neither a member of the National Working Committee or even a member of the NEC of the APC

For awhile, the row over the status of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention (CECPC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has threatened the fragile peace within the ruling party.

While some factions of the APC hold that there is a flaw in having Governor Mai Mala Buni remain as Chairman of the CECPC, others argue that there is no constitutional breach in having a serving governor lead the party at the moment.

Meanwhile, the APC, in a recent communique aimed at making clear its position on the controversy over the legality of the CECPC and that of its chairman, stated that “on both issues, we will state the position and decision of the Supreme Court only. The decision here is the majority judgment of the Supreme Court which is now the Law.

“The decision and judgment was read and concurred to by the justices who were in the majority. Any other statements in their various additional contributions by the justices complement the lead judgment.

“It is therefore right to say that the issues and ratio in the lead judgment reflect the views of the majority. The minority judgment, although important as it is, is not the judgment of the court.”

The statement, also noted that the Supreme Court in its judgment affirmed the legality of the CECPC, adding: “the court stated that the NEC under Article 13 (3) IV of the APC constitution has power to create, elect and appoint a committee and endow it with powers and functions. It drew a parallel with Article 33(3) of PDP constitution (2012) with similar powers granted to its National Convention which in turn appointed a National Caretaker in 2016, which the Supreme Court ruled legal in Sheriff VS PDP.

“On the status of the Acting National Chairman, His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni, the Supreme Court held that he was appointed only in acting capacity, on temporary basis to carry out and fill in the seat of the National Chairman, pending the election of new officers.

“The Apex Court also held that Mai Mala Buni’s position as Acting Chairman of the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee is not contrary to the provision of Section 183 of the CFRN because the appointment, ad-hoc, is on a temporary basis which is not akin to Executive office or paid employment as envisaged by Section 183 of the CFRN.”

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Politics

Oyo : Oseni seeks reconciliation, urges aggrieved APC members to close ranks

Published

3 days ago

July 31, 2026

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‎The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has called on aggrieved members of the party in Oyo State to put the outcome of the primary behind them and embrace reconciliation in the interest of the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
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‎The appeal came on Wednesday at an enlarged meeting of APC leaders and stakeholders in Ibadan North East Local Government Area, where Oseni urged members to close ranks and work together to reposition the party for victory at the polls.
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‎In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency said the time had come for party faithful to move beyond the disagreements that followed the primary election.
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‎He said: “The primary election has come and gone. As loyal party members, our responsibility now is to unite behind the decisions of our great party and work together for its success. There is no victory without unity.”
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‎The chairman House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) noted that while it was natural for party members to hold different opinions during the contest, the APC’s overriding interest must remain paramount, urging those with reservations to seek redress through dialogue rather than division.
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‎According to him, “I appeal to every leader, stakeholder, member and supporter of our party to sheathe the sword, forgive one another and embrace genuine reconciliation. Our shared commitment to the APC is greater than any individual ambition.”
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‎The APC senatorial candidate said the challenges confronting the party could only be overcome through collective resolve, mutual respect and sustained engagement among members across the state.
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‎”The people of Oyo State expect a strong and united APC that is ready to provide purposeful leadership. We cannot afford to remain divided when there is so much work to be done. This is the time to rebuild trust, strengthen our structures and move forward together,” he said.
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Oseni expressed confidence that with reconciliation, discipline and the support of party leaders and members, the APC would emerge stronger from the primary process and be well positioned to secure victory in Oyo State in the 2027 general election.

Politics

Arapaja endorses Oseni’s Oyo South Senate bid, seeks APC victory in 2027

Published

3 days ago

July 30, 2026

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A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, has endorsed the senatorial ambition of the All Progressives Congress candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement came during a courtesy visit by the member representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency to Arapaja’s residence in Ibadan, where both politicians held discussions on the future of the APC and preparations for the 2027 polls.

A statement issued on Wednesday by Oseni’s Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said the meeting focused on strengthening the party and mobilising support to ensure the APC records victory at all levels in the forthcoming elections.

According to the statement, Arapaja expressed confidence in the lawmaker’s capacity to represent the people of Oyo South in the Senate, describing his performance in the House of Representatives as evidence of purposeful and people-centred leadership.

He was quoted as saying, “Hon. Remi Oseni has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the welfare of his constituents through people-oriented projects and impactful representation. His performance in the House of Representatives gives me every confidence that he will deliver even greater results in the Senate.”

The former deputy governor also pledged his support for Oseni’s senatorial bid and promised to work towards the success of all APC candidates in the 2027 elections, from the presidential candidate to those contesting seats in the National Assembly and the Oyo State House of Assembly.
Arapaja further appealed to Nigerians, particularly people of the South-West, to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, saying continuity would enable the President to complete his constitutionally permitted two-term tenure.

“The South-West must remain united behind President Tinubu to enable him complete his constitutionally guaranteed eight-year tenure. We must also work collectively to ensure victory for our party at every level,” he said.

He also described Oseni as a humble, loyal and dependable politician whose consistent service had earned him the confidence of the people across Oyo South.

Also speaking, Mogaji Abass Oloko reaffirmed his support for Oseni’s senatorial aspiration and praised Arapaja’s enduring influence in Oyo politics, saying his relevance remained unquestionable because of his grassroots connection and longstanding relationship with the people.

Responding, Oseni thanked Arapaja for the warm reception, valuable counsel and endorsement, describing him as “a trusted ally, dependable leader and reliable teammate” whose support had further strengthened his resolve ahead of the 2027 elections.

The lawmaker recalled that their political relationship dated back to the period they both worked with former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and later collaborated in the political coalition that reshaped Oyo State’s political landscape in 2018.

Oseni reiterated that leadership should be anchored on integrity, trust and honour, adding that he remained committed to providing quality representation and expanding developmental initiatives across Oyo South if elected to the Senate in 2027.

Politics

Oseni hails Aderibigbe’s appointment as APC guber campaign DG

Published

5 days ago

July 29, 2026

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated Barr. Yemi Aderibigbe on his appointment as the Director-General of the Campaign Council of the party’s governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.

Oseni described the appointment as well deserved, saying it was a recognition of Aderibigbe’s years of loyalty, dedication and invaluable contributions to the growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.

The lawmaker, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele.

The APC chieftain said Aderibigbe had consistently distinguished himself as a committed party stalwart, grassroots mobiliser and dependable administrator whose efforts had strengthened the APC across the state.

According to Oseni, the appointment was a testament to Aderibigbe’s competence, hard work and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the party.

“I heartily congratulate Barrister Yemi Aderibigbe on this well-deserved appointment as the Director-General of Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s Campaign Council. This is a call to greater service, and I have every confidence that you will justify the trust reposed in you,” Oseni said.

He added, “Your experience, leadership qualities and organisational skills will undoubtedly strengthen our campaign and further unite party members as we work towards securing victory for our great party in the governorship election.”

The federal lawmaker urged party leaders, members and supporters across Oyo State to rally behind the new campaign leadership and work together to ensure the APC records a resounding victory at the polls.

He also reaffirmed his unwavering support for Senator Alli’s governorship ambition, expressing optimism that the party would remain united and focused in its quest to win the election.

Before his latest appointment, Aderibigbe served as the Director-General of the Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF), a political support group that coordinated grassroots mobilisation and political engagements for Engr. Aderemi Oseni across Oyo State.