The NDDC Minister, Sen. Akpabio has made known his interest in the national Chairmanship of the All Progressive Congress (APC), an inside source has revealed.
Akpabio who disclosed that his interest was borne out of the need to restructure the APC following the suspension of the former National Leader, Adams Oshiomhole, noted that the latter could not handle the Party well and made so many blunders to a point where members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) started having a voice in the APC.
Describing Oshiomhole’s suspension as long overdue, the APC Partyman stated that he could fix the ruling Party’s indifferences by removing those he considers as “bad eggs” and strengthening the cords of the Party among members, if allowed to do so.
He also revealed that he has discussed his intentions with President Muhammdu Buhari whom he said has supported his bid, with the shared opinion that there was no victory in view for the APC in 2023, following the collapse of the party’s structure by Ahmed Tinubu and Adams Oshiomhole.
Similarly, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State maintained that his Lagos State counterpart, Ahmed Tinubu “can never become the president of Nigeria because of selfish interest”. He reasoned that Tinubu’s win would mark the division of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, sources close to the Minister who confirmed this development, averred that Akpabio’s aim is to form the Party alone. “He has indeed discussed this with President Buhari and has his support to go ahead”, he said.
“He indicated interest in the Leadership of the Party to fix it well at the national level so that he can use it to win the presidency for the next election”, he revealed.
“The two options he is bargaining for are the seat of the National Chairman of the APC or that he should be the Presidential candidate of the APC in the 2023 elections. Whichever way, he has the President’s support”, they said.