Updated: February 25, 2021
President Muhammadu Buhari left his comrades stunned on Tuesday when he declared as illegal the tenure extension granted by his own political party to the man seated besides him.
According to local media reports, Mr. Buhari said it was a violation of the constitution of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, to have extended the tenure of Mr. John Oyegun, the chairman of the party.
Why it matters: Nigerians go to the polls in 11 months to elect a new President, and Mr. Buhari has been facing mounting criticisms even within the ruling party. But Mr. Oyegun has been described as a loyalist, someone who was there for him no matter the pressure. But his job had come under serious criticism from Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the strong politician in southwest Nigeria who felt let down by Mr. Buhari after he helped him win in 2015. The President appointed Tinubu about two months ago to heal a party at war with itself. One of the main demands was to sack Oyegun and rebuild trust in a divided house.
President Buhari with R-L: APC National Chairman John Odigie Oyegun, President Buhari attends the APC National Executive Committee Meeting at the APC Party Headquarters on 27th Mar 2018
Mr. Buhari was speaking during the National Executive Committee of his party. His remarks left many in shock, especially as Mr. Oyegun was seated besides him and had been seen taking pictures with a smiling President just minutes earlier.
President Buhari with R-L: APC National Chairman John Odigie Oyegun, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as President Buhari attends the APC National Executive Committee Meeting at the APC Party Headquarters on 27th Mar 2018
President Buhari speaking at the APC National Executive Committee Meeting at the APC Party Headquarters on 27th Mar 2018
President Buhari at the APC National Executive Committee Meeting at the APC Party Headquarters on 27th Mar 2018
President Buhari with R-L: APC National Chairman John Odigie Oyegun, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, APC National Women Leader Hajia Ramatu Tijani, Chairman APC Governor’s Forum and Governor of Imo State Rochas Okorocha and SGF Boss Mustapha as President Buhari attends the APC National Executive Committee Meeting at the APC Party Headquarters on 27th Mar 2018
President Buhari with R-L: APC National Chairman John Odigie Oyegun, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, APC National Women Leader Hajia Ramatu Tijani, Chairman APC Governor’s Forum and Governor of Imo State Rochas Okorocha and SGF Boss Mustapha as President Buhari attends the APC National Executive Committee Meeting at the APC Party Headquarters on 27th Mar 2018
President Buhari with R-L: APC National Chairman John Odigie Oyegun, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as President Buhari attends the APC National Executive Committee Meeting at the APC Party Headquarters on 27th Mar 2018
APC National Executive Committee Meeting at the APC Party Headquarters on 27th Mar 2018
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