Umahi, Ayade, Matawalle Won’t Be Ousted Over Defection — Buni

Delivering a speech at the convention, Governor Buni asked Governors Ben Ayade (Cross River), David Umahi (Ebonyi) and Bello Matawale (Zamfara) and many others who defected to the party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to be afraid of being ousted by the courts.

This followed a High Court judgement which ordered the removal of Governor Umahi from office on the ground of defection to the APC.

Buni said, “Let me reassure those of you whose defections are being challenged in the courts that you have nothing to fear because your defections did not contravene any law.

“You will, by the grace of God, emerge successful and victorious in the superior courts at the end of these litigations. Your wise decision to join the APC along with millions of your supporters shall never be in vain.”

Buni asked party members and leaders not to allow their personal interest override the interest of the party and remain united in order to retain power in 2023.

“It is pertinent to point out that we are conscious of the anxiety among our members for the conduct of the convention to elect substantive national leaders. We are also aware of the rising interests among individuals and groups, especially those with the ambition to aspire in the 2023 general elections.

“This anxiety has, however, translated into some internal wrangling and squabbles recently recorded in the party. Such internal disputes are both normal and common, especially in a growing democracy like ours. The beauty of such disagreements is the ability and resilience to resolve them and emerge out of them stronger.

“l wish to commend Mr President for the excellent leadership exhibited in resolving the seeming contention with ease, and without adverse effects on the party and the convention.

“As we elect new national officials, l call on every member of the party to please support and cooperate with the leaders from wards to the national level. We should please bury our differences and collectively work for the interest and success of our party.

“This is very necessary for us to approach the 2023 general elections with a united front. We can only achieve much in unity, just like the broom, which is our party symbol.

“I am now more confident than ever, that with a population of over 41million registered members and still counting, the APC has the potential and capacity to remain Nigeria’s ruling party, and indeed, Africa’s largest political party,” Buni said.