Alliance for new nigeria convention crisis
The Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) is a political party in Nigeria that was founded in 2014. The party has been involved in several controversies and crises, including a recent convention crisis that has led to a split in the party.
Background: The ANN was founded by Dr. Osita Nwanevu, a former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with the aim of providing an alternative to the dominant political parties in Nigeria. The party has been growing in popularity, particularly among young Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the current political system.
Convention Crisis: The ANN held its national convention in Abuja on March 27, 2021, where a new national chairman and other party officials were to be elected. However, the convention was marred by controversy and violence, with two factions of the party claiming to have elected their own chairmen.
The crisis began when the party's national chairman, Femi Adesina, was removed from office by a faction of the party led by a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose. Adesina had been accused of being loyal to the APC and of working against the interests of the party.
The faction led by Fayose then went ahead to hold its own convention, where it elected a new national chairman, while the other faction, led by Adesina, also held its own convention and elected its own chairman.
Consequences: The convention crisis has led to a split in the party, with two factions now claiming to be the legitimate leadership of the ANN. The crisis has also led to the suspension of several party officials, including Adesina and Fayose.
The crisis has also raised concerns about the stability and viability of the party, as well as its ability to attract and retain members. The party's national secretary, Daniel Bwala, has called for calm and urged party members to remain united, but the crisis is likely to continue to affect the party's operations and reputation.
Reactions: The crisis has been widely condemned by political observers and analysts, who have called for the party to resolve its internal issues and focus on its core mandate of providing an alternative to the dominant political parties in Nigeria.
The APC has also weighed in on the crisis, with the party's national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, describing the ANN's convention as a "sham" and accusing the party of being a "mere appendage" of the APC.
The crisis has also led to calls for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party, citing its inability to conduct a peaceful and transparent convention.
In conclusion, the Alliance for New Nigeria's convention crisis has led to a split in the party, with two factions now claiming to be the legitimate leadership of the party. The crisis has raised concerns about the stability and viability of the party, as well as its ability to attract and retain members. The party's internal issues need to be resolved to ensure its continued existence and relevance in Nigerian politics.