Abdullahi Adamu, a former governor of Nasarawa State, early on Sunday morning emerged the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Adamu’s emergence was expected ahead of the convention as he was the chosen candidate of President Muhammadu Buhari under the party’s consensus arrangement for the selection of its national officers.
Adamu’s position was strengthened further by the withdrawal of six other contestants, which was announced by George Akume, himself one of the aspirants, in obedience to the request of the president.
Those who withdrew their candidacies were George Akume (Benue State), Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Abdul’Aziz Yari (Zamfara), Sani Musa (Niger), Saliu Mustapha (Kwara) and Etsu Muhammed (Niger).
The consensus selection of candidates for a democratic election has attracted criticism from observers, who say it is undemocratic.
The consensus approach to the convention led to what became known as the Unity List, which emerged after President Buhari arrived at the Eagle Square late on Saturday night.
It contained the names of members of the party’s National Working Committee and Zonal Leaders of the party, who will lead the party for the next four years.
Iyiola Omisore, a former governor of Osun State, emerged as the National Secretary of the party.
Others who were ratified for the various positions were: Senator Abubakar Kyari (Borno State) as the Deputy National Chairman (North), Emma Eneukwu (Enugu State) as the Deputy National Chairman (South), Festus Fuanter (Deputy National Secretary), Muhazu Rijau (National Vice Chairman, North-Central), Mustapha Salihu (National Vice Chairman, North-East), Salihu Lukman (National Vice Chairman, North-West), Ijeoma Arodiogwu (National Vice Chairman, South-East), Victor Giadom (National Vice Chairman, South-South), and Isaac Kekemeke (National Vice Chairman, South-West).
Others are Ahmed El-Marzuk (National Legal Adviser), Uguru Ofoke (National Treasurer), Bashir Gumel (Financial Secretary), Suleiman Argungu (National Organising Secretary), Beta Edu (National Woman Leader), Abdullahi Israel (National Youth Leader), Tolu Bankole (Special Persons Leader), F.N Nwosu (National Welfare Secretary), Felix Morka (National Publicity Secretary), Abubakar Maikafi (National Auditor), Bashir Gumel (National Financial Secretary), Ibrahim Salawu (Deputy National Legal Adviser) and Omorede Osifo (Deputy National Treasurer).
