Controversy engulfed the political scene on Sunday, as conflicting reports emerged regarding the alleged resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). While some sources claimed that Adamu had indeed stepped down from his position, others dismissed it as mere rumor.
As of press time, The PUNCH was unable to officially confirm the reported resignation, and prominent APC figures reached out by correspondents provided contradictory information. The timing of these developments is notable, occurring just two days before the highly anticipated National Caucus and National Executive Committee meetings of the party.
An anonymous member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) confirmed the alleged resignation to our correspondent on Sunday evening. However, details regarding the timing and circumstances surrounding Adamu’s decision remain unverified, with indications that he may have been instructed to resign by President Bola Tinubu. It is reported that Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State delivered Adamu’s resignation letter to the President.
Despite attempts to seek clarification from the APC spokesman, Felix Mouka, through calls and messages, no response was received. However, sources have linked the alleged resignation to Adamu’s failure to support Tinubu’s presidential aspirations leading up to the party’s convention.
Bala Ibrahim, the party’s Director of Publicity, refrained from confirming or denying the reports, stating, “I cannot say anything for now. I read the purported resignation of our National Chairman like most Nigerians, but this is all I can say for now.”
The PUNCH also reached out to Mr. Festus Keyamo, a former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, who pledged to provide a response but had not done so at the time of filing this report.
A source close to the APC chairman dismissed the resignation claims, stating, “It is not true. But I have learned that some individuals plan to meet with him today or tomorrow to pressure him into resigning.”
During the run-up to the party’s presidential convention on June 8, 2022, Adamu had expressed support for then-President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan. However, his efforts to garner President Muhammadu Buhari’s backing were reportedly thwarted by APC governors who informed the President of their non-involvement in Adamu’s alleged plot against the former Lagos State governor.
In a recent interview on Arise Television, Adamu admitted to not supporting Tinubu’s ambition but dismissed rumors of a rift between him and the President, asserting that he had the right to support any candidate. He clarified that his disagreement with the APC stemmed from the handling of the communication regarding the election of principal officers of the National Assembly.
Despite the claims made by an NWC member that Adamu’s resignation was a directive from the presidency, no official confirmation has been provided. In the event of his resignation, according to the party’s constitution, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Deputy National Chairman for North, would assume an acting capacity as the national chairman.
While uncertainties shroud the alleged resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, political observers eagerly await official statements and further developments as the APC prepares for its crucial meetings.
