In response to the upcoming nationwide protest, the All Progressives Congress (APC) convened an emergency meeting with its state chairmen from across Nigeria on Friday in Abuja. The meeting, chaired by National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, lasted over four hours and aimed to address the anticipated unrest.
During the session, state chairmen, particularly those in APC-controlled regions, were instructed to coordinate with their governors to counter the protest efforts.
Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary, and Senator Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary, addressed the media following the meeting. Morka acknowledged the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians but emphasized the party’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in managing the situation.
Morka expressed concerns over the protest’s organizers, labeling them as faceless and potentially having hidden agendas. He criticized the protest’s demands, describing them as politically motivated and impractical within the given timeframe.
The APC officials argued that some demands, such as scrapping the 1999 Constitution and calling for a sovereign conference, were unrealistic and not feasible within ten days. They also noted that discussions on constitutional amendments are already underway and urged protestors to submit their memorandums through the proper channels rather than disrupting the nation.
Senator Ajibola Basiru highlighted that demands for new minimum wages and the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu had already been addressed or were in legal proceedings, rendering them outdated or irrelevant.
The APC leadership reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property while criticizing the protest as potentially destabilizing. They urged party members and supporters to stand with the government and reject what they see as politically driven demands.
News Editor