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APC Crisis: Acting National Secretary Resumes Duty Amid Tight Security
The Acting National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Victor Giadom, has resumed duty at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
Giadom stepped into the secretariat at 10:55 am, yesterday, amidst tight security.
His entry into the party’s complex was strictly controlled as security officials at the main entrance checked in essential staff, journalists, amongst others from an authorised list.
Those on the list were handed tags before being allowed in.
Armed policemen from the Counter-Terrorism Unit were stationed at strategic locations around the secretariat.
But reacting, yesterday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum of State Chairmen threw their weight behind the National Chairman of the ruling party, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, and unanimously passed vote of confidence on his leadership.
The executive committee of the forum, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Hon. Ali Bukar Dolari, Borno State APC chairman and the Secretary, Dr Ben Nwoye, chairman APC Enugu State in Abuja, yesterday endorsed the leadership of Oshiomhole and called all detractors to order not to overheat the polity.
The statement tagged, “Vote of Confidence on His Excellency, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, National Chairman, All Progressives Congress”, the forum said their decision was to defend the sanctity of the constitution of the party and uphold its supremacy.
The statement reads, “We the Executive Members of the Forum of State Chairmen of All Progressives Congress (APC) met on 9th March, 2020 in Abuja and resolved that the forum will stand firmly behind the National Chairman of our great party, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, and to defend the sanctity of the constitution of our great party with regards to upholding its supremacy”.
Justifying their endorsement, the forum noted that, “Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole has positioned and fortified the party to the admiration of all to stand for and win elections in majority of the states in Nigeria as witnessed in the 2019 elections.
“It is on record that the party under the leadership of Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole won more elections in the country as exemplified in the 2019 general election.
“Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole has endeared majority and well meaning Nigerians to the All Progressives Congress in all parts of the country because of his leadership prowess.
“In the 2019 elections unlike 2015 elections, President Muhammadu Buhari had 25 percent in the majority of states of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory.
“We therefore pass a vote of confidence on the national leadership of the party under Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole for his quality, purposeful and directional leadership.
“We vow to stand with our National Chairman, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole and to defend the constitution of our great party at all times and in all places”.
The forum observed that the litigations before the two Federal High Courts are political and advised all concerned to seek political solutions. They also urged all parties to leverage on Chief Bisi Akande National Reconciliation Committee to resolve their differences.
The state chairmen maintained that being members of NEC and critical stakeholders of the party, “we dissociate ourselves from the ongoing brigandage intended to disorganize the peace we have been enjoying in the party. These acts if successful would only weaken the political strength of our great party”.
However, the embattled National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has been told to resign without further delay as he is not an experienced politician.
Making the call in a chat with newsmen, yesterday, the National Coordinator, Concerned Advocates for Good Governance (CAGG), Barrister Olusegun Bamgbose, said Oshiomhole dug his own grave by being too aggressive.
The senior lawyer also said that the National Leader of the party, Bola Tinubu, cannot save the former Edo State governor.
Recall that Oshiomhole was suspended by a Federal High Court in Abuja as the APC National Chairman last week.
Justices Danlami Senchi had ruled that the APC National Chairman should step down pending the determination of a suit seeking his removal from office.
The judge had ruled on an application of an interlocutory injunction following his suspension as a member of the APC from Etsako ward 10 in Edo State.
The former labour leader, however, approached the Federal High Court, Kano to quash the order and this has escalated the crisis in the party.
Sharing his opinion on the crisis that has turned the ruling party apart, the Lagos-based legal practitioner said, “This is really funny as one would have expected him (Oshiomhole) to know that it’s only the Court of Appeal that can do that.
“Oshiomhole dug his own grave by being too aggressive. He is not an experienced politician per se.
“He should have known that politics and activism are two different things. He is more of an activist than a politician.
“He should bow out in honour or be humiliated. The APC as a party has already concluded to show him the way out. I seriously doubt if Buhari can save him.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene