APC CHAIR: NARROWING THE SEARCH

APC CHAIR: NARROWING THE SEARCH

By: Inuwa Bwala

With the zoning of the Chairmanship position of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to the North, the question on the lips of political pundits is “who will Bell the cat”?

As the party makes it’s next move, in narrowing down the search to a particular zone and possibly state and even a particular individual, our fingers remain crossed as to who the cap fits.

In zoning the office of the chairman, the party’s think tank may be looking into the political credentials, alongside character and intellectual acumen of those who have so far indicated interest or who are being prevailed upon  to run for the office.

So far, so many people have indicated interest, with some of them dropping President Muhammadu Buhari’s name as having anointed them, while others claim to be independent.

But God anoints leaders who often do not envisage or make noise, rather, God picks them from hitherto dark alleys to limelight.

Talking about those who have so far indicated interest with billboards and posters everywhere, one may be tempted: without recourse to God’s will, conclude that, it will certainly  be one of them.

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Given the task ahead of the emergent leadership of the APC in the face of anticipated opposition and the attendant mood of the nation, the search for it’s next chairman should go beyond the surface gimmicks.

The next chairman should be one who is intellectually grounded and understands the dynamics of contemporary political trends. He or she should be one whose political antecedents must be without blemish. One who commands respect across political divides and should be young, dynamic and full of energy.

The next chairman of this party should be one who blends with the youths and elders and should have the vision of a united Nigeria even in the  face of threats of ethno-religious, cum sectional polarization.

The next chairman of this great party must come clean of current national maladies, including insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, bunkering, and communal or intertribal disorders. 

In agreeing that finding someone with such near saintly dispositions will be difficult, I believe that there are people who stand shoulders high.

Checking through the credentials of the visible aspirants, all of whom are eminently qualified,  one may be compelled to suggest that the situation at hand calls for a search beyond the lot.

The APC has the golden fleece in one of it’s prominent leaders, who has shown statesmanlike approach in many issues of national discourse. 

My mind goes to a Senator, a two times state Governor, former chairman of the Northern Governor’s Forum, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior; Senator Kashim Shettima.

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He may not have yet indicated interest, but with the avalanche of calls from various interest groups, urging the APC to take an introspective look at it’s possible choice, one is tempted to join the fray for Kashim Shettima.

I read the text of a press statement by a group of northern youths and pondering upon their call and the attendant justification in pushing for the candidature of Kashim Shettima, I could not help but agree with them. I  see sense in their move.

In interacting with top party stalwarts, including Governor’s and senators, the choice of Shettima seems to appeal to them across the board.

While cross ventilating ideas with some intellectuals and political analysts, the idea of bringing on board  Shettima as chairman remained acceptable.

Senator Shettima should avoid the Caesarean foible and throw his cap into the ring. This is a time for service to a troubled house.

APC CHAIR: NARROWING THE SEARCH