N32bn fraud: Why APC national chair, Adamu, sec Omisore, kissed the dust
In a shocking turn of events, Abdullahi Adamu, the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and his secretary, Iyiola Omisore, have been embroiled in a scandal involving the misappropriation of N32 billion generated from the sales of nominations to various contestants within the party, First News reports.
This revelation has led to their sudden resignation amid allegations that they failed to account for the substantial funds accumulated through the sale of forms for the 2023 general elections.
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N32bn scandal
According to credible sources, suspicions arose among some APC National Working Committee (NWC) members regarding the substantial funds amassed through the sale of nomination forms.
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It was believed that both Adamu and Omisore depleted the funds to approximately N7 billion, causing further discontent among NWC members.
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Adding to their dissatisfaction, Adamu and Omisore unilaterally appointed auditors to audit the party’s account without consulting or informing the NWC members, a decision that raised eyebrows and deepened the mistrust.
President Tinubu’s Intervention
When President Bola Tinubu was made aware of the controversy surrounding the N32 billion party fund, he took decisive action and approved Adamu’s dismissal from office.
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This development came as no surprise to Adamu, who, upon learning of his impending sack, sought support from APC state chairmen to salvage his situation.
Unfortunately for Adamu, his pleas fell on deaf ears, as the state party chairmen expressed their displeasure with him for not involving them from the outset.
Political Rivalries and Cold War
The strained relationship between Adamu and President Tinubu dates back to Adamu’s election as the APC national chairman.
Tinubu had initially supported another former governor, Tanko Al-Makura, for the position.
However, President Muhammadu Buhari and his loyalists threw their weight behind Adamu, ultimately leading to his victory.
Tinubu viewed this as a deliberate move to hinder his chances of securing the APC presidential ticket and fulfilling his presidential aspiration.
Tensions escalated when Tinubu accused Buhari of reneging on a 2015 succession agreement between them, further exacerbating the rift between Adamu and Tinubu.
Opposition to Anointed Candidates
Adamu’s opposition to Tinubu’s preferred candidates for the recent National Assembly leadership election intensified his feud with the President.
Adamu openly voiced his disapproval of the emergence of Akpabio, Abbas, and other principal officers of the National Assembly, vowing to reverse their appointments. This act of defiance further infuriated Tinubu’s allies, prompting them to plot Adamu’s downfall.
Adamu’s Downfall
The final blow to Adamu’s political career came when the 10th National Assembly was set to be inaugurated.
Instead of working behind the scenes to ensure a favorable outcome for the party’s leadership election, Adamu and Omisore remained aloof.
Adamu’s support for Abdulaziz Yari, a candidate who diverged from Tinubu’s preference, further soured his relations within the party. Additionally, Adamu distanced himself from the committee positions announced, further cementing his isolated position within the APC.
Hope Uzodinma’s Involvement
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, played a significant role in the unfolding events. On Sunday, Uzodinma advised Adamu to tender his resignation letter, acting as the final catalyst for his downfall. However, the attempt to reach Omisore and deliver the same message was unsuccessful.
The alleged fraud involving Abdullahi Adamu and Iyiola Omisore, with N32 billion missing from the APC’s coffers, has rocked the ruling party.
The fallout from this scandal has exposed deep divisions and political rivalries within the APC.
As events unfold, the political landscape in Nigeria is likely to witness further shifts and realignments. The repercussions of this scandal will undoubtedly shape the future of the APC and its quest for political dominance in the country.
