A cloud of uncertainty looms over the future of Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The former Nasarawa State governor has faced criticism and opposition since the presidential primary that saw Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerge as the party’s standard-bearer and subsequently become president.
One of Adamu’s alleged offenses is his open opposition to Tinubu’s candidacy. As a staunch supporter of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Adamu’s close ties to power put him in a position to dictate the shots. However, he faced backlash for demanding a retraction of Tinubu’s remarks about Buhari during the power shift agitation, which strained their relationship.
Despite his opposition, Adamu eventually aligned with the majority of APC members who elected Tinubu as their presidential candidate and actively participated in the campaign. However, in the realm of politics, payback is always a possibility, and those he may have offended could seize the opportunity for retribution.
Furthermore, some party members harbored grievances against Adamu’s appointment as National Chairman under Buhari’s leadership, adding to the forces seeking a change in the status quo. The opposition against his continued tenure has intensified, creating a precarious situation that may jeopardize the NWC’s survival.
Recent signals from the corridors of power indicate a deliberate effort to distance the presidency from Adamu. The alleged exclusion of the NWC from power zoning arrangements within the leadership of the 10th National Assembly serves as a tactical display of disapproval for the lack of trust in Adamu.
Adamu’s recent declaration, where he distanced the APC NWC from the election of new National Assembly leadership, further isolated him. While the emergence of the new leadership enjoyed presidential approval, Adamu claimed that the NWC had no involvement or knowledge of the decision.
These developments suggest a challenging battle lies ahead for Adamu if he intends to retain his position as the party’s chairman. The forces aligned against him include the new National Assembly leadership, governors involved in power-sharing arrangements, and even the president, who holds the party’s ultimate leadership. The dissolution of the NWC or the removal of the national chairman is a decision that primarily rests with the federal lawmakers, given their influential role in the party hierarchy.
Adamu’s unrestrained outburst has displeased some governors, reflecting a readiness to challenge his authority. The divided NWC stands as evidence that some committee members have distanced themselves from his confrontational stance against the National Assembly’s principal officers.
Considering the current circumstances, Adamu’s removal from office seems imminent. Despite meeting with the president, there is no guarantee that he will survive the threat. Given Tinubu’s historical intolerance of insubordination during his tenure as Lagos State governor, it is uncertain how he will respond in his higher position of responsibility.
Chief Chekwas Okorie, in analyzing the situation, advised Adamu to gracefully resign before facing forced removal. Okorie expressed disappointment with Adamu’s leadership, citing his creation of unnecessary crises within the party. The APC chairman’s public declaration of preferred presidential candidates before the 2023 elections was met with opposition from party governors and NWC members, signaling a lack of maturity.
While acknowledging the role of the APC in the emergence of the National Assembly’s principal officers, Okorie believes Adamu should have refrained from undue interference in filling other key positions. The responsibility of choosing those positions should have been left to the elected officials, with consultations between the president and the party resolving any internal differences.
Hon. Wale Oshun, a former lawmaker and Yoruba leader, echoes a similar sentiment, emphasizing the need for the legislature’s independence as a separate arm of government. He calls for minimal external interference and urges parties to coordinate their involvement through zoning arrangements and regular discussions with lawmakers.
The independence of the legislature should be respected, allowing elected representatives to choose leaders they have confidence in. Oshun warns against manipulation by the party or the executive, stressing that lawmakers should bear the consequences of their actions.
In conclusion, Senator Abdullahi Adamu faces an uphill battle to retain his position as APC National Chairman. The opposition against him, including the new National Assembly leadership, governors, and the president, suggests his removal is imminent. His confrontational approach, coupled with his outspokenness, has further isolated him within the party. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether Adamu can salvage his position or succumb to the mounting pressure.