Shettima's ex-aide: Sheriff is stabilising force, he should succeed Buni as APC chairman

Shettima’s ex-aide: Sheriff is stabilising force, he should succeed Buni as APC chairman

September 03

09:30 2021

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Mustapha Gambo, a former senior political adviser to Kashim Shettima, a former governor of Borno state, says Ali Modu Sheriff is a “stabilising force” the All Progressives Congress (APC) needs as national chairman.

Although Sheriff has not declared his intention to run, TheCable understands that he will if the chairmanship position is given to the north.

The ruling party will hold its LG congresses on September 4 — a prelude to the party’s elective convention. Mai Mala Buni, Yobe governor, is currently the national chairman of APC caretaker committee.

Speaking with journalists on Friday, Gambo said Sheriff, a former governor of Borno, has the needed experience to govern the party.

“The APC needs a stabilising force and with due respect to all those reported to be nursing ambition to vie for the chairmanship of our party, none of them comes close to what His Excellency, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff brings to the table. Apart from being the first governor to be elected twice as governor of Borno state, he was elected twice to the federal parliament as senator representing Borno senatorial district at different political epochs,” he said.

“He was chairman, board of trustees of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, one of the parties that later merged with others to form the APC. He became the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, owing primarily to his vast political appeal across the board. Where are we likely to find a man like this, if one may ask?

“To the best of our knowledge, he (Sheriff) is the only one going round the country, interfacing with members and leaders of the party at the grassroots level in preparation for this weekend’s local government congresses to be held nationwide.

“APC requires a man of vision, foresight and courage to take charge of party affairs at this critical time of our national life.

“What awaits us in 2023 is huge and with President Muhammadu Buhari out of the ballot for the first time in eight years, the party can’t afford to experiment with its national leadership.”