Slippery APC’s National Chairman Seat – Gov. Buni’s Constitution Review To The Rescue

Slippery APC’s National Chairman Seat – Gov. Buni’s Constitution Review to the Rescue

By Yusuf Ali

The National Chairmanship of Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress (APC) has become a symbol of political instability. No occupant has completed their tenure unscathed – resignations, controversial exits, and forced removals have plagued the position since the party’s inception. This chronic instability points to deep structural flaws within the party itself.

Chief Bisi Akande’s interim leadership set a precedent, but the turbulence truly emerged under substantive chairmen. Chief John Odigie-Oyegun’s tenure ended prematurely amidst internal strife and accusations. His successor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, faced an even more dramatic downfall orchestrated through suspensions and court rulings.

Governor Mai Mala Buni, while achieving significant milestones like membership drives and reconciliation as Caretaker Chairman, also encountered fierce factional challenges that highlighted the party’s fragile foundations.

The pattern persisted. Senator Abdullahi Adamu resigned post-2023 elections under allegations of mismanagement. His successor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, stepped down on June 27, 2025, succumbing to relentless internal pressure – the latest casualty of the APC’s unstable leadership saga.

This persistent instability stems directly from the APC’s failure to establish a robust constitutional framework capable of managing its inherent complexities. As a coalition of diverse interests and power blocs, the party desperately needs mechanisms to enforce cohesion and resolve conflict.

Recognizing this existential threat, Governor Buni’s Committee for the review of the APC constitution emerges as the critical intervention needed to stabilize the National Chairmanship and the party itself. This review offers a path to transform the chairmanship from a precarious perch into a pillar of stability by embedding key reforms.

Crucially, the revised constitution must establish strong safeguards to shield the party’s internal structures and its Chairman from undue external interference, ensuring genuine independence.

Simultaneously, it should mandate regular, structured, and inclusive dialogue across all levels and factions to proactively address grievances and bridge divides before they escalate into crises.

Furthermore, codifying clear, fair, and enforceable guidelines for leadership selection and succession is essential to build trust and prevent the destructive power struggles that have plagued past transitions.

Finally, learning directly from Governor Buni’s Caretaker experience, the constitution must embed permanent, accessible, and authoritative mechanisms for swift and binding conflict resolution.

The APC governing National Chairmanship need not remain a symbol of division. Governor Buni’s constitutional review initiative presents the party with its best opportunity to break the cycle of instability. By adopting a strengthened, enforceable constitution that prioritizes institutional integrity, fair processes, and effective conflict management, the APC can finally secure its leadership.