23 June 2018•Update: 02 July 2018
By Rafiu Ajakaye
LAGOS, Nigeria
Amid a civil war roiling the party, Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress on Saturday affirmed a former labor union chief as its new national chairman, as other contenders for the slot withdrew ahead of its key convention.
Adams Oshiomhole was the head of the Nigeria Labor Congress for many years before being elected a two-term governor of the oil-rich Edo state. His aspirations had received the backing of several APC top guns, including President Muhammadu Buhari, who opposed another term for outgoing Chair John Oyegun.
APC National Convention Chair Mohammed Badaru said Oshiomhole was the only contender for the seat and was “therefore returned unopposed as the national chairman” of the party.
The convention took place amid a civil war within the ruling party. Some top APC parliamentarians boycotted the event, apparently angry at some developments and rumored to be eyeing defection to another party.
Speaking at the convention in the capital Abuja, Buhari called on party members to continue to support the leadership ahead of the country's general elections next February including his own bid for reelection.
“I appeal to all to put our great party ahead of personal considerations and to accept the outcome of the exercise in good faith,” Buhari said, apparently addressing the rebels in the party, including the parliament chiefs and some governors.
