Former Nasarawa governor Abdullahi Adamu emerges as APC chair after opponents withdraw

FORMER Nasarawa State governor Senator Abdullahi Adamu is all set to become the next chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after six other contestants vying for the position with him stood down.

Today, the APC holds its national convention at the Eagles Square Abuja, with the highlight of the event being the election of party chairman.  Among those vying for the position of party chairman with Senator Adamu were Senator Tanko Al-Makura, Senator George Akume, Abdulaziz Yari, Senator Sani Musa Muhammed, Etsu Muhammed and Salihu Mustapha.

However, in a surprise development, six other aspirants have signed a joint letter pointing out that they are standing down for Senator Adamu. In what appears to be a case of them bowing to pressure from above, Senator Adamu looks like he has become the preferred candidate of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In the letter signed by Senator George Akume, the minister of special duties, on behalf of the other aspirants, the candidates said they had faith in Senator Adamu. Their letter, dated March 25, indicated they were carrying out President Buhari's wishes.

Their letter read: “May I kindly refer to the appeal by Mr President for the chairmanship aspirants of our great party to agree to a consensus arrangement wherein our colleague, His Excellency Senator Abdullahi Adamu is made our consensus candidate for the chairmanship position and forward letters of withdrawal from the under listed aspirants to wit.”