Senator Orji Kalu has denied supporting plans to undermine the Saturday, March 26 date of the national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Chief Whip of the Senate stated this in a statement issued on Saturday, March 12, in Abuja.
According to him, “I have read the unfortunate accusations leveled against me by a former Director-General of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Dr Salihu Lukman.
“In a statement credited to Lukman, he alleged that some party leaders are working with the Chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Mai Mala Buni to undermine the March 26 national convention of the party.
“He noted that there are other party leaders, including Senator Uzor Orji Kalu who have actively supported Mai Mala to undermine the decision to organise the national convention of the party.
“It is on this note that I consider it necessary; to correct the wrong impressions Lukman must be making efforts to create.
“There has been no time I participated in any collaboration or collusion; to ensure that attempts to organise the APC national convention are blocked,’’ he said.
Orji Kalu recalled that on Dec. 15, 2021, he appealed to the party and CECPC members,to consider postponing the national convention earlier stated for February.
The former governor of Abia warned that holding the convention in February; without sorting out minor disagreements could lead to implosion.
“I was worried that the creation of factions which denied the party victory; in so many states in the past elections may repeat itself.
“I, therefore, called for a peaceful resolution of the crisis before holding the convention.
“No peaceful and tactful leader would support a terrible scenario to reoccur.
“It is important to note that I have always stood for; and supported the party and Gov. Mai Mala Buni only happened to be the chairman of the party.
“Aside from serving as the chairman of the party, Buni is my old family friend; and I cannot deny him because he is facing challenges today.
“We have been friends for the past 25 years.
“It is imperative to state that Buni has done very well for the party. His sterling leadership quality is what helped stabilise our great party across the six geopolitical zones; with high profile defections in our favour,’’ Orji Kalu said.
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