Gbenro Adesina
The All Progressives Congress (APC) as on Tuesday June 16, 2020, elevated the former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi to serve as its acting National Chairman after the Court of Appeal upheld the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole.
Before the elevation, Ajimobi was the party’s Deputy National Chairman for the southern region.
In a statement signed by party spokesman, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the APC said its National Working Committee (NWC) had been guided by the party’s legal department in line with the provisions its constitution.
“According to Section 14.2. (iii),of the APC constitution, the Deputy National Chairman, North/South ‘Shall act as the National Chairman in the absence of the National Chairman from his zone’,” the statement said.
Ruling on the interlocutory appeal filed by Comrade Oshiomhole, the appellate court upheld the decision of the Federal Capital Territory High Court delivered by Justice Danlami Senchi which in March ordered the suspension of Oshiomhole as well as restraining him from parading himself as the National Chairman of the party.
The Statement, titled, “Sen. Abiola Ajimobi to Serve As APC Acting National Chairman”, read in part:
“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has received the news indicating the Appeal Court has upheld the suspension of the Party’s National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by an FCT High Court pending the determination of the substantive suit.
“Guided by advice from the Party’s legal department in line with the provisions of Section 14.2. (iii) of the Party’s constitution, the Deputy National Chairman (South), Sen. Abiola Ajimobi will serve as the Party’s Acting National Chairman.
“According to Section 14.2. (iii),of the APC constitution, the Deputy National Chairman, North/South “Shall act as the National Chairman in the absence of the National Chairman from his zone”.