•TC member: Ume-Ezeoke’s removal irrevocable

Amidst speculations in the media that former military ruler, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, is planning to get the presidential ticket on the platform of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in case he meets a brick wall in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), one of his close aides has denied it, saying it is a figment of the imagination of those peddling the rumours.

The aide, who spoke to the Nigerian Compass on phone yesterday, though on the condition of anonymity, said Babangida is a bona fide member of the PDP, and would pursue his presidential ambition on the platform of the same party.

His words: “That matter is a non-issue; that cannot happen. Is Babangida an ANPP member? Babangida is a PDP member and he is going to contest for the president of Nigeria on the ticket of the party. That is what I know, my friend.”

But a highly placed source in the party told the Nigerian Compass that Ume-Ezeoke’s reluctance to leave the office (chairmanship) is owing to “their camp's promise and commitment to give the retired general the presidential ticket to contest on the platform of ANPP. But I can assure you that this is not going to happen.”

When our correspondent called Ume-Ezeoke on phone get his response on the issue, he said: “ Please, I am in a meeting of NEC right now and I can't talk to you.”

In another development, the Deputy National Chairman of Transition Committee, who is also the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the party, Chief Abiodun Oyebolu, said Ume-Ezeoke’s removal was irrevocable because of his anti-party activities.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Nigerian Compass late on Wednesday night on phone from Abuja, Oyebolu said: “By midnight tonight today (Wednesday night), the tenure of Ume Ezeoke comes to an end and he is no longer the national chairman of ANPP.

“He remains removed constitutionally tonight, because he was sworn in on September 2, 2006. A new chairman of our great party will emerge at our convention slated for September, 17 and 18 this month at Eagles Square, Abuja.”



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