APC caretaker chair, Buni returns, says all actions taken by Niger Gov in his absence ‘remain valid’

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress’ Caretaker/Extraordinarily Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Mai Mala Buni, has refuted claims that he has reversed some actions taken by Niger State Governor, Muhammed Bello.

Governor Bello assumed the National Chairman position last week while Buni, who is also the Governor of Yobe State, was out of the country for medical treatment.

There had been insinuations that Bello had permanently replaced Buni on the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari.

But the speculations have been put to rest after the President on Wednesday backed Buni’s continued role as the CECPC Chairman.

Buni, in a statement on Thursday, reiterated that he had duly transmitted power to Governor Bello who acted on his authority while he was away.

“Therefore all activities that were done in my absence remain valid and binding,” Buni said.

“All party stakeholders and members are hereby advised to disregard the previous statement discarding the activities of the Committee under the leadership of the Acting Chairman.”

Buni also called for “support and understanding to move the party forward to a successful Convention slated for March 26th, 2022.”

What appeared to be a leadership tussle within the APC came as the party’s National Convention becomes imminent.

There had been speculations that Governor Buni was planning to postpone the convention for the umpteenth time.

The APC convention has been postponed more than once since Buni, who is also the Governor of Yobe State, was appointed caretaker Chairman.

On March 7, Governor Bello declared himself the acting National Chairman of the CECPC while Buni was away, raising tensions that the latter had been removed.

Amid heavy security at the APC seceteriat in Abuja, Bello swiftly swore in the party’s 36 State Chairmen, part of activities scheduled before the convention.

Meanwhile, the National Secretary of the APC, Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe was forced to deny reports that he had resigned from his position.

He also alleged that there were plans to remove him from his position.