The former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has been appointed to head the national convention committee which will organise the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Other members of the committee, are: Alhaji Kawu Baraje (deputy chairman), Boss Mustapha, Dr. Garba Abari, Brig-Gen. Mansur Dan Ali (rtd), Prof. Umar Farouk,  Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, Mr. Olawale Edu, Prof. Mojeed Alabi, Edwin Ogunbor, Mr. Preye Aganaba  Kachy Nwoja, Tony Muonsgor, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Dr. Alex Ideh, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni, Senator Osita Izunaso and Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

The setting up of the convention committee came just as the party leadership spoke of plans to hold a emergency rally to protest against the alleged impunity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government in Ekiti State.

The party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun advised members of the committee that their time frame is short, which meant that the challenge before the committee was enormous.

He assured members of the committee that the leaders of the party would not interfere with their activities

 “I am aware that I had more time to accomplish the assignment. You have about 21 or 22 days to do this and that  tells me that the challenge before you is enormous. It means that you are leaving this inaugural ceremony to start work, “he said.

Oyegun said members of the committee were elected after a long deliberation based on the fact that party was crusading for change.

 “We need to have people who believe in change and who will practice change by the way they organise and conduct the primaries. More so, as the entire nation is holding its breath in sympathy with the APC. You will recall that at every stage of our existence, there have been prophets of doom particularly coming from our opponents on the other side.

“At every stage, there has been saying that we are a collection of strange bed fellows and will not get through. When you go out, the question they ask you is, who is your candidate how will you produce your candidate?” he added.

While accepting the challenge on behalf of other committee members, Fayemi  said they are delighted to be given the historic assignment to organise the first presidential convention.

“I know that this was going to be a very important assignment. It is an exercise that will set us apart from those who are democrats and those who are monarchists. Those who prefer to coronate and those who want to elect.

“But the how is far more important than the who for us. That is, the process is more important than the end product for us. What Nigeria requires most is that we demonstrate to the best of our ability, our commitment to internal democracy,” he said.

He called for cooperation from members of the party, expressing the hope that the outcome of the convention would bring about great celebration within and outside the party.