In a crucial phase of the All Progressives Congress (APC) United Kingdom Chapter’s peace efforts, initiated by the APC National Working Committee (NWC), key stakeholders have issued a stern warning to one of its interim committee leaders, Mr Tunde Doherty and his supporters.
They have been cautioned against actions that could compromise the ongoing peace process in the UK.
This alert follows Doherty’s discreet trip to the APC headquarters in Abuja, where he submitted interest and nomination forms for executive positions for the yet-to-be-scheduled APC UK Elective Congress. This move preempts yet-to-be-agreed-upon plans, schedules, and guidelines with the NWC and APC UK stakeholders.
The interim committee, established by the NWC in Abuja, has convened only once, raising concerns about the adequacy of a single meeting as a foundation for the congress. Doherty’s portrayal of the visit as representing a united front has been criticised for sending a dubious and misleading signal. This is a recurring attitude that is stalling the progress of the interim committee.
Efforts by JK Adebola, the Secretary of the Interim Committee, to engage Doherty in meaningful discussions to advance the party activities and plans for the congress have been met with evasion and inadequate excuses.
Notably, Doherty has avoided addressing significant concerns such as the congress’s participant database and other important issues that still need to be solved.
Most importantly, the actions observed so far, including avoidance of critical discussions and unilateral decisions, suggest a potential bias and lack of fairness from the party’s Abuja officials in this delicate phase. This has led to frustration among UK stakeholders over the apparent favouritism and neglect of other members’ concerns.
Furthermore, the unresolved issue of nomination fees, deemed a violation of Section 225 of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 85 of the Electoral Act 2022, underscores the need for adherence to legal standards beyond personal ambitions.
This scenario calls for immediate intervention by the National Chairman of the APC to address these emerging conflicts and prevent potential international disgrace, ensuring that unprogressive elements do not undermine the peace and unity efforts within the APC UK chapter.
