APC: Rochas Leads "Rebellion" Against Tinubu, As Imo Governor Plots For VP Ticket

TINUBU

ROCHAS

In what appeared a "political" coup d’etat, Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha led  his colleagues in the Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, to oppose national leader of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu over who heads the party’s convention Planning Committee.

This drama took place at the APC National Executive Council Meeting held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday.

Trouble started when Tinubu nominated Alhaji Kawu Baraje as Chairman of the Convention Committee,but surprisingly the Imo State Governor interjected and was quoted to have said that the Governors are now in charge of the party.

He quickly recommended Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wammako and Chris Ngige as Chairman and Secretary of the committee on behalf of the governors.

Tinubu was said to have been shocked ans dazed by the Imo Governor’s action and that of his colleagues. 

The party’ national interim chairman, Bisi Akande was said to have put it to vote and Okorocha’s group carried the day. The visibly shaken Tinubu was said to have left the meeting annoyed.

Sources in the party who spoke to this blog said the overbearing influence of Tinubu in the party compelled the governors to revolt.

However, the source said the governors are considering taking over almost all the positions in the party since they are the life wire of the party

“They provide the funds and resources to keep the party moving. They control the States as well. If there is a convention today, they instruct the delegates from their States on whom to vote for or not. And they know their worth and importance. This is why they can call bluff. Without them, the party grinds to a halt” a source said

There are indications that the governor’s action is a tip of the iceberg of what to expect in the near future in the party as they are alleged to have concluded plans to field former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Slya as national chairman at the party's forthcoming national convention.

Part of the plot is to concede Presidential ticket to  Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State, while Rochas  Okorocha or kayode Fayemi takes the Vice Presidential ticket.

Another source however disagreed on this permutation, saying the governors of the party are only exercising their freedom of expression and has no plan whatsoever to revolt against the party leadership as they are not rebels and have enormous respect for all the party leaders.