Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger State has denied taking over the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) as speculated by some media organisations.
Bello said this when he spoke with newsmen shortly after heading a meeting of the APC CECPC at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Monday.
He said that he met with APC State Chairman as well as inaugurated some newly-elected State Chairmen.
“The States Chairmen took their oath of office today and we discussed progress made so far on the forthcoming National Convention and what needs to be done next so that we will achieve the March 26 date for the convention,” he said.
When asked in what capacity he presided over the meetings, Bello said: ”I have been acting for a while since the chairman (Buni) traveled”.
The meeting was attended by all members of the committee including the Secretary, Sen. John Akpanudoedrhe, Women representative, Stella Okotete, Youth Leader, Ismail Ahmed and David Lyon.
Also in attendance were Prof. Tahir Mamman, Sen. Ali Abba, Sen. Ken Nnamani and Sen. Yusuf Yusuf.
Meanwhile, Akpanudoedehe said the news of Bello’s takeover is fake.
The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to sponsored media reports on an imaginary leadership change in the APC- CECPC
“The media report is fake news and should be disregarded.
“The APC is a progressive political party guided by rules. Leadership changes are not announced by ‘sources’ through name dropping in the media.
“We urge our teeming supporters, members and indeed the general public to remain calm and support the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led APC CECPC conduct a rancour-free and credible National Convention deserving of our great party.”
