By: Ade Phillips

A fresh crisis brewing in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may debar the National Chairman of the party, Alh. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje from overseeing the gubernatorial primary election in Ondo State, Starnews NG can report.

It would be recalled that this medium swiftly reported the suspension of Ganduje by his ward executives in Kano, howbeit, the suspenders backtracked, denying their ostentatious action. They had alleged Ganduje of corruption among others.

Dismissing the reported suspension, the executives of the party asserted that those who purportedly announced it were not the party members.

Ahmad Ganduje, the ward chairman, affirmed their unwavering support for the APC national chairman, expressing confidence in his leadership style.

But the earlier viral suspension may likely hinder the Chairman to oversee the governorship primary election in Ondo State slated for this week Saturday.

A source anonymously hinted that some Chieftains of the party are uncomfortable with some of Ganduje’s actions and might leverage on the suspension to seek recourse to law to validate the earlier pronouncement that suspended the chairman.

Citing some cases in the opposition party (PDP), the source said if the Chieftains should approach the court, Ganduje may be asked to step aside from the party pending the time the issues are resolved.

“Fresh crisis is likely to hit the All Progressives Congress and Ganduje may likely not be able to oversee the election in Ondo State.

“Some Chieftains may likely approach the court to prevent the Chairman from steering the affairs of the party.

“PDP had experienced issues like this and APC is likely not to be an exceptional. Ganduje’s actions may force the leaders to approach court, the source disclosed.

The source further disclosed that, should Ganduje be asked to step aside, the political dice will change from the initial plan the party has already drafted.

“If Ganduje should go, the game will change because many aspirants are trying to penetrate the leadership of the party for support, so if Ganduje should go, the vacuum will be opened”, the source added.

Meanwhile, APC has confirmed that all 16 candidates seeking to represent the party in the November 16 governorship election have successfully passed the screening process and received clearance to participate in the party’s primary, set for April 20.

Sulaiman Arugungu, the party’s national organizing secretary, made the announcement on Monday in Abuja during the presentation of clearance certificates to the aspirants at the party’s national secretariat.

“I am pleased to welcome you all to the party’s secretariat to present screening clearance certificates, allowing you to partake in the April 20 Ondo State Governorship primary election,” he stated.

The seven-man screening committee, led by Sen. Joshua Lidani, gave all 16 aspirants a clean bill to contest the party’s governorship primary election last Friday.

The APC is expected to select its gubernatorial candidate during the primary election, following its revised schedule of activities and timetable ahead of the upcoming Nov. 16 Ondo state governorship election.

Among the cleared aspirants are the incumbent governor of the state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former national vice chairman (South-West) Duerimini Kekemeke, and Olusoji Adewale Ehinlanwo.

Other contenders who received clearance include Olugbenga Edema, Jimoh Ibrahim, Judith Omogoroye, Maj.-Gen. Felix Ohunyeye (rtd), Jimi Odimayo, Morayo Lebi, and Diran Iyantan.

Additionally, Ifeoluwa Oyedele, Funmilayo Waheed-Adekojo, Mayowa Akinfolarin, former commissioner for finance Adewale Akinterinwa, Olusola Oke, and Francis Faduyile have been given the green light to participate in the primary.