Paragraph 1: Internal Strife and Constitutional Amendments
The Action Alliance (AA), a Nigerian political party, convened its 5th National Convention in Abuja on Saturday to address internal conflicts and solidify its leadership structure. The convention culminated in a significant amendment to the party’s constitution, specifically Article 33(a), pertaining to the tenure of its national officers. The amendment grants the National Think Tank Committee the authority to extend the terms of elected officials beyond the standard four-year period. This alteration was deemed necessary to safeguard the party’s stability and prevent potential disruptions to its leadership, particularly in light of previous internal disputes and legal battles that had hampered the party’s progress.
Paragraph 2: Tenure Extension for Udeze and Other National Officers
A key outcome of the convention was the decision to extend the tenure of the National Chairman, Kenneth Udeze, and other national officers by two years. This extension, proposed by delegate Calistus Andem from Akwa Ibom and unanimously endorsed by the convention attendees, was justified on the grounds of recouping time lost due to internal wrangling and litigation. The motion highlighted the numerous court cases filed against the party and its leadership, which often resulted in disruptions and recognition of rival factions by the electoral body. This period of instability, the motion argued, effectively curtailed the tenure of the duly elected officers, necessitating an extension to allow them to fulfill their mandate.
Paragraph 3: Justification for Tenure Extension
The rationale behind extending the tenure of Udeze and his team centered on their perceived success in managing the party’s affairs and navigating challenging circumstances. The motion emphasized the "tremendous progress" made under their leadership and their efforts to restore the party’s standing in the Nigerian political landscape. Their experience and commitment were deemed crucial for maintaining stability and ensuring the party’s continued growth. The two-year extension, running from April 13, 2025, to 2027, was presented as a necessary measure to compensate for the lost time and allow the current leadership to continue their work uninterrupted.
Paragraph 4: Expulsion of Dissenting Members
Beyond the constitutional amendment and leadership tenure extension, the convention also addressed disciplinary matters. A motion was passed to expel 23 party members, including Rufia Omoaje, for alleged anti-party activities. The motion detailed the negative impact of these activities on the party’s stability and progress, stressing the need for decisive action to protect its core values and vision. The expulsion was framed as a necessary step to prevent further sabotage and maintain party unity. The motion underscored the gravity of the allegations against the expelled members and the potential damage their actions could inflict on the party’s long-term survival.
Paragraph 5: Detailed Allegations Against Expelled Members
The motion for expulsion delved into the specific misconduct and anti-party activities attributed to the 23 members. It emphasized that the allegations were thoroughly investigated by relevant party organs, which found sufficient grounds for their expulsion in accordance with the party’s constitution. The motion argued that these actions were not only detrimental to the party’s functioning but also posed a direct threat to its foundational principles. The list of expelled members included Adekunle Omoaje, Awofala Awoniyi, Orgwu Miller, Adewole Joshua, and Olu Omotosho, among others, indicating a concerted effort to remove individuals deemed disruptive to the party’s cohesion.
Paragraph 6: Impact of Amendments and Expulsions
The amendments to the party’s constitution and the expulsion of dissenting members represent significant developments in the Action Alliance’s trajectory. The extension of Udeze’s leadership and the power vested in the National Think Tank Committee to prolong tenures reflect a strategic move to consolidate power and maintain stability within the party. The expulsion of a considerable number of members underscores the party’s resolve to address internal dissent and enforce discipline. These actions, taken collectively, signal a new phase for the Action Alliance, marked by a focus on internal cohesion and a determination to strengthen its position in the Nigerian political arena. The long-term implications of these decisions remain to be seen, but they undoubtedly shape the party’s future direction and its capacity to navigate the challenges of Nigeria’s political landscape.
